SEDL / STP / STP891-EB / STP33594S

A Model for Estimating the Loading Rate of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin to the Great Lakes

Neely, WB
Research scientist, Agricultural Research Laboratory, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI

Pages: 13    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

Identifying trace contaminants in environmental samples is becoming a common occurrence. In order to complement this activity a method is needed to estimate the loading rate that is required to achieve the observed concentrations. By matching the loading rate with identified sources an assessment of their importance can be made. This study presents a framework by which loading rates can be estimated for the Great Lakes watershed. Using data and monitoring results for 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) the model is illustrated, and a loading rate of 600 g/year was determined necessary to achieve the TCDD concentrations observed in Lake Huron fish.