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PERSISTENT REDUCTIONS IN THE BIOAVAILABILITY OF PCBs AT A TIDALLY INUNDATED PHRAGMITES AUSTRALIS MARSH AMENDED WITH ACTIVATED CARBON
Sanders, J.P., N.A. Andrade, C.A. Menzie, C.B. Amos, C. Gilmour, E.A. Henry, S.S. Brown, U. Ghosh.
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry [Published online 5 Jun 2018 ahead of print]

A multi-year, pilot-scale field investigation was conducted to measure the persistence and efficacy of activated carbon (AC) amendments to reduce the bioavailability of PCBs in an intertidal Phragmites marsh. The amendments tested were granular AC (GAC), GAC with a layer of sand, and a pelletized fine AC. Key metrics presented include vertically resolved black carbon concentrations in sediment and PCB concentrations in sediment, pore water, and several invertebrate species. Despite the turbulence that accompanied Hurricane Sandy in fall 2012, all three amendments remained in place for the duration of the study, successfully reducing pore water PCB concentrations by 34-97%. Reductions in invertebrate bioaccumulation were observed in all amendment scenarios, with pelletized fine AC producing the most pronounced effect. The findings can be used to inform amendment design, delivery, and monitoring at other contaminated sediment sites.



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