Detroit River Research Articles

Ozone treatment and the depletion of detectable pharmaceuticals and atrazine herbicide in drinking water sourced from the upper Detroit River, Ontario, Canada

The depletion and degradation of pharmacologically active compounds (PhACs) and pesticides as a function of ozonation in drinking water treatment processes is not well studied. The A.H. Weeks drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) serves the City of Windsor, Ontario Canada, and incorporates ozone treatment into the production of drinking water. This DWTP also operates a real-time, scaled down pilot plant, which has two parallel streams, conventional and ozone plus conventional treatments. In this study water samples were collected from key points in the two streams of the pilot plant system to determine the depletion and influence of seasonal changes in water processing parameters on eighteen major PhACs (and metabolites) and seven s-triazines herbicides. However, only carbamazepine (antiepileptic), caffeine (stimulant), cotinine (metabolite of nicotine) and atrazine were consistently detectable in the raw water intake (low to sub-ng/L level). Regardless of the seasonality, the flocculation-coagulation and dual media filtration steps without ozone treatment resulted in no decrease in analyte concentrations, while decreases of 66–100% (undetectable, method detection limits 0.05–1 ng/L) of the analyte concentrations were observed when ozone treatment was part of the water processing. These findings demonstrate that ozone treatment is highly effective in depleting carbamazepine, caffeine, cotinine, and atrazine, and thus is highly influential in the fate of these compounds in drinking water treatment regardless of the seasonal time frame. Currently very few Canadian DWTPs incorporate ozonation into conventional treatment, which suggests that human exposure to these compounds via drinking water consumption may be an issue in affected communities.

Synthetic Musks in Fish from Urbanized Areas of the Lower Great Lakes, Canada

The concentrations of polycyclic and nitro musks were determined in freshwater fish from two urbanized areas in the lower Great Lakes: Hamilton Harbour in western Lake Ontario, and the Detroit River and nearby western Lake Erie. Fish collected included brown bullhead ( Ameiurus nebulosus), gizzard shad ( Dorosoma cepedianum), white perch ( Morone americana), yellow perch ( Perca fluviatilus), and a single walleye ( Stizostedion vitreum). No residues of nitro musks were detected in any of the fish, but since no attempt was made to analyze for the amino-metabolites of these compounds, it cannot be ruled out that these metabolites were present in the fish tissues. Fish from Hamilton Harbour had higher concentrations of polycyclic musks in their tissues than fish from the Detroit River, with a single yellow perch from Hamilton Harbour having the highest concentration of total polycyclic musks of 945 ng/g wet weight. The three polycyclic musk compounds present in the highest concentrations in fish were, in order of relative concentration, Galaxolide ® (i.e, HHCB) > Tonalide ® (i.e., AHTN) > Traseolide ® (i.e., ATII). Lower concentrations of Celestolide ® (i.e., ADBI) and Phantolide ® (i.e., AHMI) were also detected. There appeared to be species-dependent variability in the accumulation of musks that may be related to differences in the capacity of fish to metabolize these compounds.

A River-wide Survey of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Polycylic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), and Selected Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Sediments of the Detroit River—1999

The spatial distribution of hydrophobic organic contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and octachlorostyrene (OCS) in sediments of the Detroit River was established using data from a 1999 river-wide survey. The survey employed a stratified random sampling design that divided the river into six geostatistical zones consisting of upper, middle, and lower U.S. and equivalent Canadian river reaches. Organic carbon normalized OCS sediment concentrations demonstrated no significant differences between U.S. or Canadian sediments or upstream/downstream gradients suggesting that OCS is derived primarily from sources upstream of the Detroit River. In contrast, sum PCBs and sum PAHs were significantly elevated at U.S. as compared to Canadian stations and demonstrated significant increasing upstream/downstream gradients in organic carbon normalized sediment contamination. The upper and middle U.S. river reaches contained a number of near-shore stations with high localized PCB and PAH sediment concentrations suggesting multiple inputs along the upper U.S. portion of the river. Consistent with past surveys, wide-spread sediment contamination of PCBs and PAHs continues to be observed in the highly industrialized Trenton Channel and downstream of Grosse Isle. Threshold effect level (TEL) sediment quality guidelines for PAHs and PCBs were exceeded in 92.6 and 77.8%, respectively, of stations in Trenton Channel and downstream of Grosse Isle. This large reservoir of degraded sediments in the lower U.S. river reach has the potential to enter Lake Erie during sediment disturbance events and likely contributes to gentoxic stress and increased bioaccumulation of PCBs in resident benthos, fish, and wildlife.

Quantifying resource partitioning in centrarchids with stable isotope analysis

Stable isotope and gut content analyses were completed on multiple age classes of Detroit River rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) and bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) to determine the importance of resource partitioning in littoral centrarchids. d 15 N signatures ranged from 10.9‰ to 12.8‰ in young of the year (YOY) to 7-yrold rock bass and from 10.3‰ to 12.1‰ for YOY to 4-yr-old bluegills. YOY diets for both species had similar proportions of benthic and epiphytic prey, with YOY rock bass also having a planktonic dietary component. YOY rock bass consequently had a lighter d 13 C signature than similarly aged bluegills, suggesting that these individuals are able to exploit prey from more energetically efficient open water habitats. Rock bass became piscivorous during the first full year of growth, with concomitant depletion of the d 13 C signature with increasing age, typical of an isotopically depleted phytoplankton d 13 C signal. By 7 yr of age, rock bass diets were dominated by crayfish and cyprinids, with no further significant depletion of the d 13 C signature. For bluegills, diets were dominated by small benthic invertebrates, regardless of age. d 13 C signatures in YOY and 1-yr-old bluegills remained enriched relative to rock bass of the same age, suggesting that bluegill sunfish remain in nearshore shallower littoral habitats for a greater proportion of their life history because of increased predation pressure. This pairing of stable isotope and gut content analyses provides a quantitative resolution of foraging history and habitat selection of species coexisting in a littoral community.

Distribution of hexabromocyclododecane in Detroit River suspended sediments

The distribution of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers (α, β and γ) was determined in Detroit River suspended sediments using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Individual isomers of HBCD were measured at concentrations ranging from <0.025 to 1.9 ng/g (dry wt.) for the α-isomer, <0.025 to 0.28 ng/g for the β-isomer, and <0.025 to 2.3 ng/g for the γ-isomer. Concentrations of total HBCD ranged from <0.075 to 3.7 ng/g. Roughly two-thirds of HBCD profiles in suspended sediments were dominated by the γ-isomer, and were similar to profiles of commercial technical mixtures. Profiles in the remaining samples were dominated by the α-isomer. The β-isomer was consistently detected at substantially lower levels than the other isomers; this isomer is a minor constituent in the commercial technical mixtures. Seasonal sampling showed significant shifts in the relative ratios of the HBCD isomers. The spatial distribution of HBCD in the Detroit River was similar to other persistent organic pollutants (e.g., PCBs), and showed a strong association with urban/industrial activities in the watershed. However, the highest HBCD concentrations (2.6–3.7 ng/g) were associated with areas of contemporary industrial activity, and were much lower than maximum concentrations of PCBs (2.2 μg/g) found in areas of the Detroit River associated with historical industrial activity.

Extirpation of Freshwater Mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) Following the Invasion of Dreissenid Mussels in an Interconnecting River of the Laurentian Great Lakes

Previous (1992–1994) surveys for native freshwater mussels (Unionidae) along main channels of the Detroit River showed that unionids had been extirpated from all but four sites in the upper reaches of the river due to impacts of dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. bugensis). These four sites were surveyed again in 1998 using the same sampling method (timed-random searches) to determine if they may serve as “refugia” where unionids and dreissenids co-exist. Two additional sites were sampled using additional methods (excavated-quadrat and line-transect searches) for comparison with unpublished data collected in 1987 and 1990. A total of four individuals of four species (Actinonaias ligamentina, Cyclonaias tuberculata, Lasmigona complanata and Pleurobema sintoxia) were found by timed-random searches at four sites in 1998 compared to 720 individuals of 24 species in 1992 and 39 individuals of 13 species in 1994. Excavated-quadrat and line-transect searches at the two additional sites yielded only one live specimen of Ptychobranchus fasciolaris compared to 288 individuals of 18 species in 1987 and 1990. Results of this study suggest that remaining densities of unionids in channels of the Detroit River are too low to support viable reproducing populations of any species. Therefore, we conclude that unionids have been extirpated from main channels of the Detroit River due to dreissenid infestation. As the Detroit River was one of the first water bodies in North America to be invaded by dreissenids, it is likely that unionids will also be extirpated from many other rivers and lakes across eastern North America over the next few decades. Resource agencies should be encouraged to implement active management programs to protect remaining unionid populations from zebra mussels.

Detroit: A Motor City History by David Lee Poremba

140 Michigan Historical Review car. Once these conveniences were incorporated into the gasoline propulsion system, the technological advantages of the electric vehicle dwindled in significance. At this point, purchase price determined consumer choice. The electric car, with its higher priced technology, failed once and for all as the gasoline-powered automobile gained a mass market. The strength of this volume isMom's methodical and exhaustive research drawing from several European countries and the United States, and his conclusions are based on expectations for the technology internationally. Mom provides a clear argument that demands consideration from historians of technology aswell as policymakers. NealV. Hitch Ohio Historical Society David Lee Poremba. Detroit: A Motor City History. Charleston, S.C.: Arcadia Publishing, 2003. Pp. 159. Bibliography. Illustrations. Index. Notes. Paper, $19.99. As one of the oldest permanent European settlements in North America, Detroit has had a fascinating history. Since 1701, when Antoine de laMothe Cadillac landed on the north shore of the Detroit River, through its days as a gathering place for French fur traders, its position as a British and American outpost, and finally its rise to become one of the country's industrial giants, Detroit and its citizens have participated inmany of the crucial developments that shaped our nation. David Lee Poremba wrote this book about the city's storied past in order to mark Detroit's tricentennial in 2001. Unfortunately, because of severe space constraints, perhaps imposed by the publisher, the book doesn't really tell us anything new, save what has happened in recent decades. Still this compact account would be useful for someone looking for a general history of the city, one not clogged with footnotes or references. Detroit is full of facts?one right after the other?with little analysis of how or why an event happened. Frequently the work piques the reader's interest; however, the discussion often ends abruptly leaving him or her wondering about the outcome. Some parts of the book are much stronger than others. In the middle chapters, Poremba's descriptions are quite effective. The earlier and later chapters, however, can be a bit confusing and sometimes ask more questions than they answer. Often names are dropped without a reference to who the person was. For instance, Tecumseh and his Book Reviews 141 brother Tenkswatawa, known as the Prophet, are mentioned for their roles in uniting northern tribes to fight for the British, but at no point does the author tell the reader who Tecumseh and Tenkswatawa actually were or which tribe (Shawnee) they represented. In other sections of the book the narrative either glosses over or completely omits some key moments in the city's history. For example, Detroit is cited "as the leader in Prohibition law violations" (p. 119), but the reader is left to speculate about what those might have been. The Detroit River was one of the busiest routes for alcoholic contraband from Canada to the United States during Prohibition, but the only other reference the reader gets to that tumultuous era is a photo of dilapidated warehouses along the riverfront. The section on the General Motors-Poletown confrontation lacks specificity and does not convey the true nature of what occurred. Poremba states that the plant was built "amidst some controversy" and the complex displaced "some people" (p. 140). In reality the project razed thirteen hundred homes, more than one hundred businesses, and half a dozen churches, as well as displacing forty-two hundred residents. Although these two topics are more fully examined in Philip P. Mason's Rumrunning and the Rearing Twenties: Prohibition on theMichigan-Ontario Waterway (1995), and in a number of books on Poletown, readers of Detroit: A Motor City History still need some explanation of these critical events in the city's history. The casual reader will find Detroit to be an interesting read. The more curious, on the other hand, may be disappointed to find only a two-page bibliography. Historians will have to go elsewhere to find sources about the fascinating history of theMotor City. Kenneth G. Hafeli Gerald R. Ford Library, Ann Arbor Kenneth J. Schoon. Calumet Beginnings: Andent Shorelines and Settlements at the South End ofLake Michigan. Bloomington: Indiana...

PCB Levels and Trends Within the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie Basin: A Historical Perspective of Ecosystem Monitoring

An international workshop held in the spring of 2002 convened a group of technical experts to address monitoring, modeling, and management of PCBs within the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie basin. Participants shared and discussed a diverse set of research data bases pertaining to PCB levels within the region, discussed observed changes within different components of the local ecosystem, and identified several primary issues impacting future PCB management strategies. Results presented at the workshop indicate dramatic reductions in PCB contamination levels have been observed in much of study area between the late 1970s and mid-1990s. Estimates of loadings attributable to water and atmospheric sources have generally declined, as have PCB concentrations in herring gull eggs, smelt and walleye. Nevertheless, additional improvements have not been observed during recent years and elevated contamination levels remain a concern within local hot spots, particularly in the lower Detroit River and Trenton Channel. A primary recommendation broadly supported by workshop participants is the need to maintain, support, and coordinate a comprehensive ecosystem monitoring program for the Detroit River-Western Lake Erie basin, one that incorporates both near-field and far-field monitoring elements. Such a program is crucial to provide necessary data in support of understanding ecosystem trends, calculating annual mass loadings to the system, assessing impacts of remediation actions, developing improved modeling frameworks, and formulating cost-effective management strategies for the future.

Effectiveness of Fine Screens in Meeting CSO Treatment Requirements for Identifiable Sanitary Materials

Effectiveness of Fine Screens in Meeting CSO Treatment Requirements for Identifiable Sanitary MaterialsRemoval of identifiable sanitary material is a necessary component required to achieve adequate treatment of combined sewer overflows (CSO) by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). As part of the demonstrative approach that the city of Detroit is using to develop a Long-Term CSO Control Plan for the Detroit River outfalls, the city constructed two pilot facilities to test the...Author(s)Mirza A. RabbaigTerrance MooreImad A. SalimWade TrimJennifer R. FansonMark J. TenBroekClayton E. McCormackWade TrimSourceProceedings of the Water Environment FederationSubjectSession 5: Tunnels and Treatment – Unique Approaches to Store and Treat CSOsDocument typeConference PaperPublisherWater Environment FederationPrint publication date Jan, 2006ISSN1938-6478SICI1938-6478(20060101)2006:4L.261;1-DOI10.2175/193864706783796295Volume / Issue2006 / 4Content sourceCollection Systems ConferenceFirst / last page(s)261 - 277Copyright2006Word count493

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.

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Hydroxylated and Methoxylated Brominated and Chlorinated Analogues in the Plasma of Fish from the Detroit River

Novel classes and congeners of contaminant residues that are structurally analogous to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants were assessed in the plasma of seven benthic- and six pelagic-feeding fish species from the highly contaminated Detroit River corridor, namely, hydroxylated-PBDEs (OH-PBDEs), methoxylated-PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs), and the antimicrobial OH-trichlorodiphenyl ether, triclosan, and its methylated (MeO) triclosan analogue. In all samples sigmaPBDE concentrations were comprised mainly of BDE47, BDE99, and BDE100 (>85%) and ranged from 155 pg/g wet weight (ww) to 21 069 pg/g ww. Of the 14 OH-PBDE congeners assessed, as many as 10 congeners were identified, although profiles were generally dominated by 6-OH-BDE47 with lesser amounts of 2'-OH-BDE68, 4'-OH-BDE49, and 4-OH-BDE42. sigmaOH-PBDE concentrations ranged from 2.7 to 198 pg/g ww, with sigmaPBDE to sigmaOH-PBDE concentration ratios ranging from 0.0005 to 0.02. OH-PBDEs are likely derived in these freshwater species as metabolites of precursor PBDEs and are subsequently retained in the blood, for example, 6-OH-BDE47, 4'-OH-BDE49, and 4-OH-BDE42 could be derived from BDE47. Portions of concentrations of the OH-PBDEs may also be of alternate origins and are accumulated and retained in these fish. In all samples, the 14 MeO-PBDEs monitored were below detection (<0.01 pg/g ww). Anthropogenic triclosan concentrations ranged from 750 to >10 000 pg/g ww and is clearly a bioaccumulative halogenated phenolic compound in these fish. MeO-triclosan concentrations were considerably lower. In addition to emerging classes of brominated contaminant such as PBDEs, whether of metabolic or anthropogenic origin, fish collected from the Detroit River are exposed to a complex profile of PBDE-like organohalogens.

Triclosan in waste and surface waters from the upper Detroit River by liquid chromatography-electrospray-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry

Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) is an antimicroibial disinfectant agent used in a wide array of consumer products. An analytical method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) followed by reverse phase, liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization (negative)-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-ESI(−)-MS/MS; in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode) was developed, optimized and validated for the determination of triclosan in wastewater/sewage treatment plant (WSTP) effluent and surface waters from the upper Detroit River (Canada). The mean recoveries (±%RSD) of triclosan and the internal standard 2′-HO-tribromodiphenyl ether (2′-HO-BDE-28) spiked to surface water and WSTP effluent samples ranged similarly from 104±8% and 91±10%, respectively, and method limits of quantification were in the low ppb/high ppt range. However, ESI(−) enhancement was found for both analytes due to sample matrix effects, as indicated by % process efficiencies (a measure of ESI(−) enhancement/suppression), which were in the 111–128% range. We report the first known assessment of triclosan in the Detroit River watershed of the Great Lakes, which preliminarily examined the presence and UV-treatment effects on triclosan in effluent from the major WSTP serving the City of Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and fate in surface waters of the upper Detroit River. Triclosan in WSTP effluent decreased 22% after final UV treatment to a mean concentration of 63 ng/L. Concentrations were further reduced to 4 and 8 ng/L (a >90% reduction) in surface water samples from sites downstream on the Canadian shoreline of the Detroit River, which was due to dilution. Two hydroxylated tribrominated diphenyl ethers, which are structurally similar to triclosan, were also detected in WSTP effluent and surface water samples.

The management lessons learned from sediment remediation in the Detroit River – western Lake Erie watershed

AbstractDuring the 1970s−1990s, considerable emphasis was placed on minimizing the inputs of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from active sources. In addition, between 1993 and 2001, ≈ $US130 × 106 was spent for sediment remediation within the western Lake Erie – Detroit River basin. In general, although PCB contamination of the Detroit River and Lake Erie declined significantly between the 1970s and mid‐1990s, it has remained fairly stable over the past 10 years. Control of PCBs and other contaminants at their source remains a primary imperative for action. Remediation of contaminated sediments is growing in importance, however, as greater levels of source control are achieved. From a sediment management perspective, it is estimated that between 1993 and 2001 a substantially higher mass of PCBs (over two orders of magnitude higher) was removed as a result of contaminated sediment remediation, as compared to navigational dredging of shipping channels. In addition, there is a strong and compelling rationale for moving expeditiously to remediate severely contaminated sediment while it is still relatively contained in a small geographical area. The cost of not acting in a timely manner might be to exacerbate environmental problems including increased deformities and reproductive problems in wildlife, delayed ecosystem recovery and increased costs, or even preclusion of future sediment remediation. Based on discussions at a United States of America–Canada workshop held in 2002, key management advice includes continued emphasis to be placed on remediating contaminated sediment hot spots (including evaluating the effectiveness of projects), integrated monitoring efforts to be focused on beneficial use restoration and a high priority to be placed on sustaining and building upon modelling efforts, in order to be able to accurately predict and evaluate ecosystem responses to remedial and preventive actions.

Comparison of Mercury and Lead Sediment Concentrations in Lake Ontario (1968-1998) and Lake Erie (1971–1997/98) using a GIS-Based Kriging Approach

Abstract This research analyzed sediment contamination concentrations for mercury and lead in Lakes Ontario and Erie using a GIS-based kriging approach. Environment Canada provided sediment survey data for Lake Ontario (1968 and 1998) and Lake Erie (1971 and 1997/98). Collation and mapping of point measurement data without the application of interpolation methods does not allow for spatial data trends to be fully analyzed. The kriging technique enables the creation of interpolated prediction surfaces, with the advantage that the results can be statistically validated. Although data normality is not required, the kriging results for the historical datasets suggest that it may be desirable, as statistical validity was reduced due to some individual stations having very high contaminant concentrations. Three of the four models developed for the 1997/98 data were statistically valid. For both lakes, the more recent data reveal reduced concentrations of mercury and lead, and there has been an overall reduction in contamination levels. However, sediments in some areas still exceeded Canadian sediment quality guidelines. The areas of greatest sediment contamination in Lake Ontario were within the major depositional basins, presumably as a result of historical industrial activities in watersheds along the southern and western shoreline including the Niagara River. In Lake Erie, areas of greatest sediment contamination continue to be located in the western and south central portions of the lake in proximity to the Detroit River and major urban/industrial centres.

Determination of laboratory and field elimination rates of polychlorinated biphenyls (Pcbs) in the freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata.

Chemical elimination rate constants (k2) were determined for 41 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in dosed freshwater mussels, Elliptio complanta, following a 150-day laboratory depuration period. Congener-specific elimination rates were inversely dependent on the n-octanol/water partition coefficient (K(ow)) of the chemical according to the regression equation: logk2 = (-0.59 +/- 0.05) logK(ow) + (2.05 +/- 0.28) (R2 = 0.80, p < 0.001). PCB elimination rate constants in E. complanta were lower than reported for zebra mussels and green-lipped mussels but similar in magnitude and K(ow) dependence to data reported for American oysters. In order to validate the laboratory-derived PCB elimination rate constants, mussels dosed with [13C]PCB153 were allowed to depurate at one of the biomonitoring stations utilized in the Detroit River Biomonitoring Program and sampled at the same time intervals as laboratory animals. The field elimination rate constant for [13C]PCB153 was significantly greater than, but within a factor of 3 of, the laboratory elimination rate constant determined for unlabeled PCB153. This similarity in estimates of k2 for labeled and unlabeled PCB153 indicates that there is relatively little error introduced by using laboratory PCB elimination rate constants to estimate PCB153 toxicokinetics in mussels deployed at this field station. Elimination rate constants determined for PCBs in this species were lower and exhibited a stronger K(ow) dependence than elimination rate constants reported for selected PAHs. This suggests that E. complanata may possess some capability for PAH biotransformation.

Characterization of contaminants in snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina) from Canadian Lake Erie Areas of Concern: St. Clair River, Detroit River, and Wheatley Harbour

PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and dioxins/furans in snapping turtle eggs and plasma ( Chelydra serpentina) were evaluated at three Areas of Concern (AOCs) on Lake Erie and its connecting channels (St. Clair River, Detroit River, and Wheatley Harbour), as well as two inland reference sites (Algonquin Provincial Park and Tiny Marsh) in 2001–2002. Eggs from the Detroit River and Wheatley Harbour AOCs had the highest levels of p, p′-DDE (24.4 and 57.9 ng/g) and sum PCBs (928.6 and 491.0 ng/g) wet weight, respectively. Contaminant levels in eggs from St. Clair River AOC were generally higher than those from Algonquin Park, but similar to those from Tiny Marsh. Dioxins appeared highest from the Detroit River. The PCB congener pattern in eggs suggested that turtles from the Detroit River and Wheatley Harbour AOCs were exposed to Aroclor 1260. TEQs of sum PCBs in eggs from all AOCs and p, p′-DDE levels in eggs from the Wheatley Harbour and the Detroit River AOCs exceeded the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines. Furthermore, sum PCBs in eggs from Detroit River and Wheatley Harbour exceeded partial restriction guidelines for consumption. Although estimated PCB body burdens in muscle tissue of females were well below consumption guidelines, estimated residues in liver and adipose were above guidelines for most sites.

Book Review: Honoring Our Detroit River: Caring for Our Home

Book Review: Honoring Our Detroit River: Caring for Our Home

Characterization and identification of the Detroit River mystery oil spill (2002)

In this paper, a case study of the Detroit River mystery oil spill (2002) is presented that demonstrates the utility of detailed and integrated oil fingerprinting in investigating unknown or suspected oil spills. The detailed diagnostic oil fingerprinting techniques include determination of hydrocarbon groups and semi-quantitative product screening, analysis of oil-characteristic biomarkers and the extended suite of parent and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and quantitative determination of a variety of diagnostic ratios of “source-specific marker” compounds. The detailed chemical fingerprinting data and results highlight the followings: (1) The spill samples were largely composed of used lube oil mixed with smaller portion of diesel fuel. (2) The diesel in the samples had been weathered and degraded. (3) Sample 3 collected from N. Boblo Island on 14 April was more weathered (most probably caused by more evaporation and water-washing) than samples 1 and 2. (4) All fingerprinting results clearly demonstrated oils in three samples were the same, and they came from the same source. (5) Most PAH compounds were from the diesel portion in the spill samples, while the biomarker compounds were largely from the lube oil. (6) Input of pyrogenic PAHs to the spill samples was clearly demonstrated. The pyrogenic PAHs were most probably produced from combustion and motor lubrication processes, and the lube oil in these spill samples was waste lube oil.

Honoring our Detroit River: caring for our home

Honoring our Detroit River: caring for our home

Imposing the border: The Detroit River from 1786 to 1807

In 1783, a border was imposed across the Old Northwest by the newly‐formed United States and Great Britain through the Treaty of Paris. That division down the center of the southern Great Lakes waterway was reconfirmed by the Jay Treaty of 1794. Despite these treaties, control of the borderland region remained in contention. This paper addresses the impact that the imposition of the border had on life in this region as a step on the way to understanding the impact of borders more generally. This historical case study focuses on aspects of social and political transformation in the contested borderlands of the Old Northwest, highlighting both the macrolevel strategy of states, which moved to conclude treaties with the indigenous population in order to control the territory and to deploy settlement, and the microlevel accommodations of settlers, traders, corporations and Native American communities. This paper traces the transformation of the Detroit hinterlands, the specific events around the imposition of the border, and the interdependence of community, commerce and the state. This brief historical overview illustrates immediate outcomes of the creation of a border and outlines some of its social, political, economic and legal consequences in the period.