Contaminant assessment of surface sediments from Tanapag Lagoon, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2006-06, Vol.52 (6), p.703-710
• Main Authors: Denton, G.R.W., Bearden, B.G., Concepcion, Lucrina P., Wood, H.R., Morrison, R.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Anthozoa - growth & development; Applied sciences; Biodiversity; Brackish; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Geologic Sediments - analysis; Marine; Micronesia; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Pollution, environment geology; Sewage - adverse effects; Soil and sediments pollution; Water Pollutants - adverse effects; Water Pollutants - analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical - adverse effects; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2006.02.019

Contaminant assessment of surface sediments from Tanapag Lagoon, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was conducted. Sediments from nine outer Lagoon sites were collected along three equally spaced transect lines running seaward toward the barrier reef, between the same geographical boundaries. All sites were located using digital-orthophoto-imagery maps with reference to prominent landmarks and compass bearing on fixed points. The trace metal data indicated that there were no major contamination issues. The offshore sites showed very low concentrations of all metals with a few exceptions. Trace metal concentrations decreased on moving from the shore and from the previously identified likely anthropogenic sources. Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) profiles in Tanapag Lagoon sediments varied considerably between stations. The areas where problems were identified were sites close to the Puerto Rico dump, the boat marina, the new dock and the port.