Distribution and occurrence of inorganic and organic contaminants in sediments and whole fish tissue of Everglades and Biscayne National Parks

Authors

Adolfo M. Fernandez, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Environmental Studies

First Advisor's Name

Rudolf Jaffe

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Gary M. Rand

Third Advisor's Name

Piero Gardinali

Date of Defense

7-20-2004

Abstract

This study provides a detailed survey of the presence, concentration levels, and spatial distribution of organic and inorganic contaminants in sediment and tissue samples collected within Everglades and Biscayne National Parks. The results of these analyses revealed elevated concentrations of arsenic, and lead and chromium in Everglades National Park (ENP) sediments exceeding Potential Effects Levels (PEL) in 9, 5 and 5% of sediment samples and concentrations of nickel exceeding Threshold Effects Levels (TEL) in 5% of samples. In Biscayne National Park, arsenic exceeded TEL in 4400 of sediment samples. Organic analyses of ENP sediments revealed elevated concentrations of DDT and its metabolites in 5% of the samples. Fish tissue analysis indicate that Endosulfan may pose a hazard in aquatic environments due to its high frequency of detection, Endosulfan sulfate in 85% and β-Endosulfan in 5% of samples.

Identifier

FI15101381

Recommended Citation

Fernandez, Adolfo M., "Distribution and occurrence of inorganic and organic contaminants in sediments and whole fish tissue of Everglades and Biscayne National Parks" (2004). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3346.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3346