Organochlorine compounds and trace elements in streambed sediment and fish tissue, South Platte River Basin; Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming

Abstract

Concentration data for organochlorine compounds and trace elements in streambed sediment and fish tissue collected throughout the South Platte River Basin as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National WaterQuality Assessment (NAWQA) Program were evaluated to determine the following: (1) which organochlorine compounds and trace elements occurred most frequently, (2) whether detection frequencies and concentrations differed among land uses, (3) how measured concentrations related to established standards and guidelines, and (4) whether there was any relation between concentrations in streambed sediment and fish tissue. Streambed sediment and fish tissue were collected at 23 sites, which were selected on the basis of physiography, geology, and land-use characteristics.