TRACE-METAL CONTAMINATION IN SURFICIAL SEDIMENTS FROM NEWARK BAY, NEW-JERSEY

Surficial sediments collected from 18 locations in three major tributaries to Newark Bay, New Jersey were analyzed for seven toxic metals (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) and 16 other trace elements. In addition, the concentrations of Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Na and Pb were determined in surficial sediments collected from 35 sites in two wetland areas along the Hackensack River. Possible sources of metals were identified based on the observed distributions. The potential for adverse effects to fish and shellfish was evaluated based on comparisons to available benchmark sediment quality criteria and toxicity guideline values. Trace metal concentrations varied greatly, but were highest in sediments collected in areas of high sediment deposition in the lower Passaic River and the Arthur Kill. The concentrations of As (17 +/- 16 mg/kg), Cd (10 +/- 6 mg/kg), Cu (237 +/- 222 mg/kg), Hg (2.1 +/-2.6 mg/kg), Ni (39 +/- 49 mg/kg), Pb (421 +/- 571 mg/kg) and Zn (395 +/- 403 mg/kg) measured in the estuary exceeded several benchmark sediment quality values. Lead (275 +/- 138 mg/kg) and Cu (116 +/- 63 mg/kg) concentrations in wetland sediments from Hackensack Area I were similar to those found in the Passaic River and the Arthur Kill. These results suggest that metal concentrations, particularly Cd, Hg and Pb, in surficial sediments in the Passaic River, Hackensack River, the Arthur Kill and portions of the Hackensack Meadowlands may pose a significant threat to aquatic biota.