1987-1989 sediment data from the Lower Columbia River near Camas, Washington, focusing on the impact of a paper mill's wastewater discharge. The dataset contains measurements of metals, organics, and total organic carbon reported on a dry weight basis. It was collected by the Washington State Department of Ecology following established EPA and Standard Methods procedures.
Use Cases
- Analyze correlations between specific metal concentrations (e.g., Cu, Pb, Zn) and the proximity to the Camas Mill outfall.
- Model the spatial distribution of target analytes like PCB and pesticides to map contaminant plumes in the Lower Columbia River.
- Compare TOC (Total Organic Carbon) levels against organic contaminant concentrations to assess pollutant binding and bioavailability.
- Use the dry-weight basis metal data (Sb, As, Cd, Hg) for time-series comparison with later studies to evaluate long-term remediation effects.
Strengths
- Data collection followed the 16th Edition of Standard Methods and corresponding EPA publications, ensuring methodological rigor.
- Analytes cover a broad suite of 18 metals, organics (PCB, pesticides, volatiles), and TOC, providing a multi-faceted pollution profile.
Limitations
- The dataset is temporally limited, with collection ending in 1989, making it a historical snapshot with potential staleness for current conditions.
- The specific sample size (row count) and geographic extent beyond 'Lower Columbia River-Camas' are unknown, limiting statistical power and spatial analysis scope.
- Data is reported on a dry weight basis only, which may require conversion for direct comparison with studies using wet-weight measurements.
Provenance
- Source
- Washington State Department of Ecology, with metadata derived from the Columbia River Basin: Sediment Database Abstracts.
- Collection Method
- Field sampling and laboratory analysis following Standard Methods and EPA procedures to monitor wastewater discharge impacts.
- Time Range
- 1987 to 1989
- Freshness
- Historical; last updated in 1989.
- Geography
- Lower Columbia River, specifically the Camas, Washington area.