Trace Metals and Benthic Invertebrates in Sediments of Nearshore Lake Ontario at Hamilton Harbour

• Published in: Journal of Great Lakes research 1988, Vol.14 (1), p.52-65
• Main Authors: Poulton, D.J., Simpson, K.J., Barton, D.R., Lum, K.R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: benthic fauna; Bottom sediments; Freshwater; geochemistry; Invertebrata; particle size; toxic substances
• ISSN: 0380-1330
• DOI: 10.1016/S0380-1330(88)71532-4

Concentrations of metallic contaminants from Hamilton Harbour were examined in the nearshore sediments (up to 30 m depth) in western Lake Ontario. These metals are exported from Hamilton Harbour through the Burlington Ship Canal mainly in association with fine-grained particles. Although the total concentrations of most metals were 3 to 20 times lower than at an offshore location (100 m depth), the application of a grain-size correction to the raw data indicated the existence of plumes which were oriented either directly offshore from the canal or relatively parallel to shore in either direction. Sequential chemical extraction indicated that while most of the metals were present as lattice-bound forms, smaller amounts of bioavailable organically-bound metals were also found. The benthic invertebrate community was similar in composition to that observed in other Great Lakes nearshore areas impacted by either metal or organic pollution. Although depth appeared to have the strongest influence on the distribution of most common taxa, consistent positive or negative correlations were found with most metals (particularly the organic fraction). Whether this indicates a response to metal toxicity or organic enrichment is not presently known.