PCB Residues in Bottom Sediments Collected from the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario 1972-73

Abstract

Surficial sediment samples (214) were collected in 1972-73 on a systematic grid throughout the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario. PCB analysis was carried out on all samples and the data were collated for depositional basins and non-depositional zones. The mean residue for the whole bay was 48 ± 43 ng/g. Mean residues in the basins and non-depositional zones were not significantly different, being 50 and 47 ng/g respectively. The Trenton basin had the highest mean residue of 74 ng/g and Adolphous basin had the lowest at 33 ng/g. Variations in concentrations were found within basins and within the non-depositional zone. The over-all distribution was patchy but high concentrations off the Trent River and east of the Moira River indicated these two rivers as the major sources of PCB to the bay.