Ashtabula River Research Articles

Economic Benefits of Remediating the Ashtabula River Area of Concern

Abstract This study uses hedonic modeling to estimate the economic benefits of remediation in the Ashtabula River Area of Concern (AOC) in Ohio. Data from residential single-family housing sales between 1997 and 2020 are used in a spatial difference-in-difference (DiD) analysis. The analysis compares housing price differences pre- and post-remediation between houses sold within 2000 m of the AOC and houses sold outside of this area. Rather than a recovery of housing prices after remediation, results indicate additional losses of 14%. Total property losses amount to $40.2 million. Past studies conducted using benefit transfers prior to remediation had predicted property value benefits of as much as $35.6 million. The contrast between predicted and observed impacts on property value highlights the need for more retrospective analysis to identify actions that will yield better predictions and outcomes.

Assessing the efficacy of environmental restoration via noninferiority: A Bayesian perspective

AbstractThe Ashtabula River covers an area that lies in northeast Ohio, USA, flowing into the central basin of Lake Erie at the city of Ashtabula where its drainage covers an area of 355 km2. In the mid‐1900s, several chemical production companies began operation along tributaries of the Ashtabula, and over time, discharges from these facilities left the lower Ashtabula River heavily contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and a suite of other agents. This pollution lead to the designation of the lower Ashtabula River as one of the most contaminated sites in the Great Lakes watershed, as defined in the 1987 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. This manuscript is a case study used to demonstrate the advantages of noninferiority testing over the classical hypothesis testing framework to demonstrate when one or more biological variables at the impacted site are no worse or inferior to the distribution of the same biological variable(s) at a reference site. In order to implement this approach, it is essential to define a tolerance level that represents a meaningful difference in parameter values. We demonstrate the use of Bayesian logistic regression for developing a data‐driven approach for tolerance level determination when consensus on the tolerance level value cannot be reached.

Riparian spiders indicate the magnitude and sources of polychlorinated biphenyl contamination at a large contaminated sediment site.

We investigated polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination at the Ashtabula River (northeast OH, USA) area of concern following remedial dredging using araneid and tetragnathid spiders. The PCB concentrations remain elevated in the area of concern compared with reference conditions. Patterns of contamination were strikingly similar between taxa, but were higher in tetragnathids at the most contaminated sites. Spider PCB homolog distributions identified 2 PCB sources to the area of concern. Based on these findings, we recommend situations where these taxa can be used alone, in concert, or combined into a composite "spider" sample to assess environmental contamination. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2467-2474. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.

Environmental dredging residual generation and management.

The presence and magnitude of sediment contamination remaining in a completed dredge area can often dictate the success of an environmental dredging project. The need to better understand and manage this remaining contamination, referred to as "postdredging residuals," has increasingly been recognized by practitioners and investigators. Based on recent dredging projects with robust characterization programs, it is now understood that the residual contamination layer in the postdredging sediment comprises a mixture of contaminated sediments that originate from throughout the dredge cut. This mixture of contaminated sediments initially exhibits fluid mud properties that can contribute to sediment transport and contamination risk outside of the dredge area. This article reviews robust dredging residual evaluations recently performed in the United States and Canada, including the Hudson River, Lower Fox River, Ashtabula River, and Esquimalt Harbour, along with other projects. These data better inform the understanding of residuals generation, leading to improved models of dredging residual formation to inform remedy evaluation, selection, design, and implementation. Data from these projects confirm that the magnitude of dredging residuals is largely determined by site conditions, primarily in situ sediment fluidity or liquidity as measured by dry bulk density. While the generation of dredging residuals cannot be avoided, residuals can be successfully and efficiently managed through careful development and implementation of site-specific management plans. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2018;14:335-343. © 2018 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Contaminant-associated health effects in fishes from the Ottawa and Ashtabula Rivers, Ohio

Abstract The health of resident fishes serves as a biologically relevant barometer of aquatic ecosystem integrity. Here, the health of the Ottawa River and Ashtabula River (both within the Lake Erie Basin) were assessed using morphological and immunological biomarkers in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Biomarker metrics were compared to fish collected from a reference site (Conneaut Creek). Data utilized for analyses were collected between 2003 and 2011. Fish collected from all three river systems had markedly different contaminant profiles. Total PCBs were the dominant contaminant class by mass. In bullhead, PCBs were highest in fish from the Ashtabula River and there were no differences in fish collected pre- or post-remediation of Ashtabula Harbor (median = 4.6 and 5.5 mg/kg respectively). Excluding PCBs, the Ottawa River was dominated by organochlorine pesticides. Liver tumor prevalence exceeded the 5% trigger level at both the Ashtabula (7.7%) and Ottawa Rivers (10.2%), but was not statistically different than that at the reference site. There was no statistically significant association between microscopic lesions, gross pathology and contaminant body burdens. Collectively, contaminant body burdens were generally negatively correlated with functional immune responses including bactericidal, cytotoxic-cell and respiratory burst activity in both species. Exceptions were positive correlations of HCB and heptachlor epoxide with respiratory burst activity in largemouth bass, and HCB with respiratory burst activity in bullhead and ΣBHC for all three functional assays in bullhead. Data here provide additional support that organochlorine contamination is associated with immunomodulation, and that species differences exist within sites.

Biomarkers of oxidatively induced DNA damage in dreissenid mussels: A genotoxicity assessment tool for the Laurentian Great Lakes.

Activities of fast growing human population are altering freshwater ecosystems, endangering their inhabitants and public health. Organic and trace compounds have a high potential for adverse impacts on aquatic organisms in some Great Lakes tributaries. Toxic compounds in tissues of organisms living in contaminated environments change their metabolism and alter cellular components. We measured oxidatively induced DNA damage in the soft tissues of dreissenid mussels to check on the possible contaminant-induced impact on their DNA. The animals were obtained from archived samples of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Mussel Watch Program. Mussels were collected from the harbor of Ashtabula River in Ohio, and a reference area located at the Lake Erie shore. Using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry with isotope dilution, we identified and quantified numerous oxidatively modified DNA bases and 8,5'-cyclopurine-2'-deoxynucleosides. We found significant differences in the concentrations of these potentially mutagenic and/or lethal lesions in the DNA of mussels from the harbor as compared to the animals collected at the reference site. These results align NOAA's data showing that elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals were found in mussels within the harbor as compared to mussels collected in the reference site. The measured DNA lesions can be used as biomarkers for identifying DNA damage in mussels from polluted and reference sites. Such biomarkers are needed to identify the bioeffects of contaminants in affected organisms, as well as whether remedial actions have proven successful in reducing observed toxic effects.

Monitoring exposure of brown bullheads and benthic macroinvertebrates to sediment contaminants in the Ashtabula River before, during, and after remediation.

In 2007, approximately 420,500 cubic meters of contaminated sediment were removed from the Ashtabula River by dredging. The primary objective of the present study was to monitor contaminant exposure in fish and macroinvertebrates before, during, and after dredging. This was done by measuring tissue concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in brown bullhead catfish (Ameriurus nebulosa) and in benthic macroinvertebrates, assessing changes in DNA damage in fish liver and blood, and scoring external and histopathological lesions and anomalies in the fish. In surficial sediment PCBs and PAHs were also quantified in conjunction with the biological sampling. The results show a significant reduction in contaminant levels in both fish and macroinvertebrates following dredging, indicating the effectiveness of the remediation in reducing exposure of biota to the primary contaminants of concern. Similarly, DNA damage levels in fish collected from the Ashtabula River significantly declined following dredging; however, a similar reduction in DNA damage over time was seen in fish collected from a reference site (Conneaut Creek), making interpretation difficult. Macroinvertebrate PCB concentrations were reflective of the sediment concentrations in the areas where Hester-Dendy samplers were deployed for macroinvertebrate collection. The present study demonstrates that these methods can be used to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of remediation techniques at contaminated sediment sites.

Histologic, immunologic and endocrine biomarkers indicate contaminant effects in fishes of the Ashtabula River

The use of fish as sentinels of aquatic ecosystem health is a biologically relevant approach to environmental monitoring and assessment. We examined the health of the Ashtabula River using histologic, immunologic, and endocrine biomarkers in brown bullhead (BB; Ameiurus nebulosus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and compared fish collected from a reference site (Conneaut Creek). Seasonal analysis was necessary to distinguish differences in fish between the two rivers. Overall BB from the Ashtabula River had a lower condition factor and significantly more macrophage aggregates than those from the reference site. Reduced bactericidal and cytotoxic-cell activity was observed in anterior kidney leukocytes from both BB and largemouth bass from the Ashtabula River. Lower plasma thyroxine and triiodo-L-thyronine in both species in the Ashtabula River indicated disruption of the thyroid axis. Differences in physiological biomarker responses were supported by body burden chemical concentrations when data were analyzed on a seasonal basis. The use of two fish species added a level of rigor that demonstrated biological effects were not exclusive to a single species. The results provide strong evidence that contaminants have affected fish in the Ashtabula River, a Great Lakes Area of Concern, and provide a baseline by which to evaluate remediation activities.

Unusually Radiogenic Lead (Pb) in Ashtabula River Sediments: An Isotopic Tracing Case Study Using Quadrupole ICP-MS

Unusually radiogenic Pb has been found in sediments of a portion of the Ashtabula River (80 o 48' W, 41 o 54' N) near its confluence with Lake Erie. Pb isotopic compositions have been determined by quadrupole ICPMS, revealing that the Pb results from mixing of three sources: crustal Pb, common Pb from industrial pollutant sources, and highly radiogenic Pb associated with U-containing accessory minerals in a Ti ore refining process discharge. Crustal Pb and anthropogenic pollutant common Pb exhibit 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios of ~ 19, in agreement with findings from published Lake Erie sediment studies. Horizons containing > 10 ppm U exhibit elevated 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios (23.88 ± 2.57, n = 11) which cannot be accounted for by anthropogenic common Pb sources. Increases in 206 Pb/ 204 Pb are not accompanied by corresponding increases in 208 Pb/ 204 Pb, with the exception of one horizon that contains 96 ppm Th. The 206 Pb/ 204 Pb is correlated with the U concentration (r 2 = 0.902). A small tributary of the Ashtabula River, Fields Brook, is the apparent point of origin of the U, Th and radiogenic Pb in the Ashtabula River sediments. These findings demonstrate that the Pb isotopic composition in the environment is subject to local influences from naturally occurring radioactive material sources.

Toxicity of Sediment Cores Collected from the Ashtabula River in Northeastern Ohio, USA, to the Amphipod Hyalella azteca

Toxicity of Sediment Cores Collected from the Ashtabula River in Northeastern Ohio, USA, to the Amphipod Hyalella azteca

Toxicity of Sediment Cores Collected from the Ashtabula River in Northeastern Ohio, USA, to the Amphipod Hyalella azteca

This study was conducted to support a Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration project associated with the Ashtabula River in Ohio. The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemistry and toxicity of 50 sediment samples obtained from five cores collected from the Ashtabula River (10 samples/core, with each 10-cm-diameter core collected to a total depth of about 150 cm). Effects of chemicals of potential concern (COPCs) measured in the sediment samples were evaluated by measuring whole-sediment chemistry and whole-sediment toxicity in the sediment samples (including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], polychlorinated biphenyls [PCBs], organochlorine pesticides, and metals). Effects on the amphipod Hyalella azteca at the end of a 28-day sediment toxicity test were determined by comparing survival or length of amphipods in individual sediment samples in the cores to the range of responses of amphipods exposed to selected reference sediments that were also collected from the cores. Mean survival or length of amphipods was below the lower limit of the reference envelope in 56% of the sediment samples. Concentrations of total PCBs alone in some samples or concentrations of total PAHs alone in other samples were likely high enough to have caused the reduced survival or length of amphipods (i.e., concentrations of PAHs or PCBs exceeded mechanistically based and empirically based sediment quality guidelines). While elevated concentrations of ammonia in pore water may have contributed to the reduced length of amphipods, it is unlikely that the reduced length was caused solely by elevated ammonia (i.e., concentrations of ammonia were not significantly correlated with the concentrations of PCBs or PAHs and concentrations of ammonia were elevated both in the reference sediments and in the test sediments). Results of this study show that PAHs, PCBs, and ammonia are the primary COPCs that are likely causing or substantially contributing to the toxicity to sediment-dwelling organisms.

DNA damage and external lesions in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from contaminated habitats

The Comet assay was used to compare levels of DNA damage in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) collected from three known contaminated locations, the Cuyahoga River (OH, U.S.A.), Ashtabula River (OH, U.S.A.; both tributaries to Lake Erie, USA), and Ashumet Pond (Cape Cod, MA, U.S.A.), with brown bullheads collected from three paired reference sites, Old Woman Creek (OH, U.S.A.), Conneaut River (OH, U.S.A.; both tributaries to Lake Erie), and Great Herring Pond (mainland MA, U.S.A.), respectively. Blood was sampled from each fish, and the Comet assay was conducted on erythrocytes. The assay results demonstrate that fish from the three contaminated sites each suffered higher DNA damage compared with fish from their respective reference sites. The results also show that the genetic damage was associated with the occurrence of external lesions and deformities in fish. The Comet assay is sufficiently sensitive to detect exposure of natural fish populations to environmental levels of genotoxic contaminants.

Biliary PAH metabolites and the hepatosomatic index of brown bullheads from Lake Erie tributaries

Abstract In studies designed to investigate the environmental exposure of fish in Lake Erie tributaries, a benthic fish, the brown bullhead ( Ameiurus nebulosus ), was collected from the industrially contaminated Detroit River, Ottawa River, Black River, Cuyahoga River-harbor and -upstream, Ashtabula River, Buffalo River, and Niagara River, and the non-industrialized Old Woman Creek during 1997–2000. Biliary benzo[ a ]pyrene (B[ a ]P)- and naphthalene (NAPH)-type metabolites and the hepatosomatic index (HSI) were measured in fish and compared between different sites. Fish from all of the contaminated sites except Niagara River had significantly higher concentrations of both types of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolites than fish from the Old Woman Creek. Concentrations of PAH metabolites in bile of fish were positively associated with concentrations of PAHs in sediments, supporting the use of bile metabolites as a measure of PAH exposure. Relatively low concentrations of PAHs detected in fish bile and sediments of the Niagara River, which had undergone extensive remediation, suggested a lowered PAH exposure for fish at this site. No apparent trend was observed in HSI between the industrialized and non-industrialized sites. This study demonstrates that biliary PAH metabolites are an effective indicator of exposure of fish to PAHs. However, because factors other than contamination could also affect the liver size of wild fish, HSI alone may be not a reliable biomarker for assessing contaminant stress.

PAHs in sediments of the Black River and the Ashtabula River, Ohio: source apportionment by factor analysis

Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Black River and Ashtabula River sediments were apportioned using a factor analysis (FA) model with nonnegative constraints. Source profiles, contributions (microg/g) and percent contributions are determined with no prior knowledge of sources. The FA model includes scaling and backscaling of data with average PAH concentrations, without sample normalization. The present work is a follow-up to studies that used a chemical mass balance model to apportion sources to the same data sets. Literature source profiles, modified based on gas/particle partitioning of individual PAHs, from nine PAH sources were considered for comparison. FA results for a three-source solution indicate traffic (58%), coke oven (26%), and wood burning/coal tar (16%) are the primary PAH sources to Black River sediments. The primary PAH sources to the Ashtabula River sediments are traffic (51%), coke oven (44%), and wood burning (5%). This work supports the previous studies of Black River and Ashtabula River PAHs by CMB model. In addition, FA provides a more realistic fit to Ashtabula River model data by eliminating 100% contributions from one source.

Anthropogenic 236U at Rocky Flats, Ashtabula river harbor, and Mersey estuary: three case studies by sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

236U (t 1/2=2.3×10 7 y) is formed as a result of thermal neutron capture by 235U. In naturally occurring U ores, where a high neutron flux is present from spontaneous fission of 238U, 236U/ 238U atom ratios are ~10 −4 ppm. In the natural Earth’s crust, unaffected by nuclear fallout, these ratios are expected to be on the order of 10 −8 ppm. Reactor-irradiated U, however, exhibits high 236U/ 238U atom ratios approaching 10 4 ppm. As a result, the presence of very small quantities of reactor-irradiated U will significantly enhance the ‘background’ 236U/ 238U atom ratio. When sufficiently elevated 236U/ 238U ratios are present, the determination of 236U/ 238U by rapid inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric (ICPMS) methods is attractive. We have used sector ICPMS at medium resolving power (R=3440) to measure 236U/ 238U atom ratios with a determination limit of 0.2 ppm. The limiting factors in the measurement are the 235U 1H + isobar and background signal at m/z 236 arising from the 238U + peak tail. Based upon the analysis of replicates and considerations of possible systematic errors, uncertainties of ±5% are found for 236U/ 238U atom ratios of 1−100 ppm. This procedure has been demonstrated in studies of anthropogenic 236U in the environment at three locations: (a) offsite soils from the vicinity of the Rocky Flats Environmental Technology site (Golden, Colorado, USA); (b) sediments from the Ashtabula River (Ohio, USA); and (c) sediments from the Mersey estuary (Liverpool, UK). In each of these three locations, definite plumes of elevated 236U/ 238U are identified and characterized. Maximum 236U/ 238U atom ratios observed in RFETS-vicinity soils, the Ashtabula River, and the Mersey Estuary are 2.8, 140, and 4.4 ppm, respectively.

Modeling polychlorinated biphenyl congener patterns and dechlorination in dated sediments from the Ashtabula River, Ohio, USA

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were analyzed in four deep, dated sediment cores from the Ashtabula River (OH, USA), for the purpose of identifying relevant PCB sources and congener patterns. The time span for three of the cores is from the mid 1960s to 1998, whereas the fourth has a time span of six years. The total PCB concentrations are in the range of 0.4 to 6.8 microg/g dry weight, with the highest concentrations observed in samples from the 1970s. A factor analysis (FA) model with nonnegative constraints was used to investigate the sources and patterns of PCBs. Additionally, a new model, based on a least squares method, was developed to identify possible patterns of anaerobic dechlorination of PCBs in the sediments, and to quantify the relevant dechlorination pathways. Both models were validated successfully either by artificially created data sets (FA model) or by using laboratory data from the literature (dechlorination model). The FA model revealed two significant sources. The first was identified as a slightly altered Aroclor 1248. The second did not resemble any Aroclor closely, but was very similar to the overall average congener profile of all samples. Simulation of anaerobic dechlorination on an Aroclor 1248 profile from the literature, according to dechlorination activities H/H', as defined in the literature, yielded a congener profile very similar to that of the second pattern. This indicates the likelihood of anaerobic dechlorination of PCBs in Ashtabula River sediments.

PCB sources and degradation in sediments of Ashtabula River, Ohio, USA, determined from receptor models

The PCB pollution in Ashtabula River sediments was evaluated using a factor analysis (FA) model with non-negative constraints, and a chemical mass balance (CMB) model. The FA model identified Aroclor 1248 as the major PCB source, and also a congener pattern significantly different from that of any Aroclor. The CMB model that uses linear combinations of Aroclors, failed to reproduce the sample congener profiles with good statistical fit. The findings from both models indicate that the PCBs in Ashtabula River sediments have undergone significant alterations changing their profiles from those of the original sources. These alterations may be explained by the anaerobic dechlorination of highly chlorinated congeners, according to dechlorination activities H/H'.

PAHs in dated sediments of Ashtabula River, Ohio, USA.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in dated sediments from Ashtabula River, Ohio, were determined, and a chemical mass balance (CMB) model was used to apportion sources. Three cores (AR-1,AR-2,AR-3) were dated by correlating uranium-supported 210Pb peaks with 1964, 1972, 1977, and 1979 maxima in the discharge record for Ashtabula River. These cores had sedimentation rates between 7.1 and 4.4 cm/year, while a fourth (AR-4) exhibited a much higher rate of 27.8 +/- 18 cm/year. The highest PAH concentration was 11,500 ng/g found in layer 6 of AR-1 (1986), and the lowest was 621 ng/g found in layer 8 of AR-2 (1982). The source contributions to the total PAH concentrations estimated by the CMB model are 0.1-2.2%, 16.8-22.8%, and 78.1-83.8% for wood burning (WB), coke oven (CO), and highway dust (HWY), respectively. Petroleum generated PAHs have maximal contribution during 1977-79, and wood burning PAHs show minimal emissions during 1975-77 in accordance with U.S. consumption records and other studies. Among six PAH markers, only phenanthrene may be subjected to aerobic biodegradation or photolysis with an apparent half-life of 0.005-0.025 year. No anaerobic degradation was observed based on the CMB model. The model works well for the nonmarker compounds, fluoranthene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene/benzo[k]fluoranthene.

Isotopic Studies of Sources of Uranium in Sediments of the Ashtabula River, Ohio, U.S.A.

Uranium contamination of anthropogenic origin has been identified in unconsolidated sediments of a 1.5 km portion of the Ashtabula River near its confluence with Lake Erie. Uranium concentrations as high as 188 μg/g dry sediment are present. A small tributary of the Ashtabula River, Fields Brook, is the apparent point of origin of the uranium in the Ashtabula River sediments. 137Cs dating of a sediment core indicates that the U contamination occurred during the post-1964 time frame. The horizons of elevated U concentration also exhibit > 10× elevations in Zr, Nb, Hf, Ta, and W. 238U/235U isotopic ratios indicate that the uranium is largely but not exclusively of natural composition. Distinct horizons of slightly 235U-depleted (238U/235U > 137.88) and slightly 235U-enriched (238U/235U < 137.88) uranium are also present. 210Pb activities and 232Th/230Th isotopic measurements indicate that a significant portion of the uranium contains 238U daughters in approximate secular equilibrium. It is inferred that at ...

Environmental Awareness and Attitudes of Ashtabula County Voters Concerning the Ashtabula River Area of Concern: 1996–1997

Two mail surveys were conducted among samples of Ashtabula County (Ohio) registered voters in 1996 and 1997. Respondents were asked to provide information revealing their levels of awareness of pollution in the Ashtabula River and Harbor, their perceived importance of water quality, levels of use of the Ashtabula River, Ashtabula Harbor, and Lake Erie, and their levels of enjoyment associated with these uses. A contingent valuation (CV) component was added to the 1997 survey in order to measure respondents’ willingness to pay for dredging the river and harbor to remove contaminated sediments. The results show that responses were stable over the 2-year period, with less than 10% showing statistical differences between years (p < .05). Respondents attach high levels of importance to improving water quality in the Ashtabula River, Harbor, and Lake Erie. They are moderately aware of current pollution problems, but indicate low levels of awareness of the efforts aimed at clean up. Contingent valuation results show that 61% of respondents would vote in favor of a referendum for an annual tax of $25 per household per year for 30 years to finance the dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments from the Ashtabula River with an estimated lower bound mean of $32.50. Willingness to pay was found to be statistically (p < 05) associated with income per capita, gender, and perceived importance of environmental improvement in the Ashtabula River Area of Concern. Others may look to this work as a model for gathering social and economic information useful in Great Lakes remedial cleanup efforts.