- Applications
of risk-based monitoring using caged bivalves include: effluents;
point, non-point sources; contaminated sediment; dredging &
disposal; oil rigs, refineries, spills
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The
first application of this methodology was an evaluation of
tributyltin antifouling paints in San Diego Bay using the
compartmentalized cages shown at left:
1) minimum size range
2) compartmentalized
cages
3) exposure & effects
endpoints
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A more recent
application was at the Port Valdez, AK ballast water treatment
facility where mussels were transplanted to a depth of 70 m to
evaluate the feasibility and scientific value of the
methodology. Survival was high and an inverse gradient was
established with distance from the effluent diffuser. Chemical
fingerprinting showed the similarity with the effluent. |
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Contaminated
sediments were assessed at the Harbor Island Superfund site, Puget
Sound, WA using caged mussels deployed 1 m off the bottom and
inspected by divers periodically. |
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Mussels and oysters
were transplanted in the intertidal zone of Delaware Bay, DE to
evaluate bioavailability and bioeffects associated with a controlled
release of oil in an US EPA bioremediation experiment.
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