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Brigham, M.E., Goldstein, R.M., Tornes, L.H., 1998, Trace Elements and
Organic Chemicals in Streeam-Bottom Sediments and Fish Tissues, Red River of
the North Basin, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, 1992-95 U.S.
Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 97-4043 38 p.
Abstract
Stream-bottom sediment and fish-tissue samples from the Red River of the North
Basin, were analyzed for a large suite of chemical elements and organic
chemicals. Cadmium, lead, and mercury were widespread in sediments, at
concentrations not indicative of acute contamination. Mercury, the element of
greatest health concern in the region, was detected at low concentrations in
38 of 43 sediment samples (<0.02-0.13 micrograms per gram) and all of eleven
fish-liver samples (0.03-0.6 micrograms per gram dry weight, or 0.0066-0.13
micrograms per gram wet weight). Concentrations of many elements appeared to
be controlled by mineral rather than anthropogenic sources. DDT and its
metabolites were the most frequently detected synthetic organochlorines:
p,p'-DDE was detected in 9 of 38 sediment samples (concentration range:
<1-16 nanograms per gram) and also frequently in whole-fish samples. Total DDT
(the sum of DDT and its metabolites) concentrations ranged from <5 to 217
nanograms per gram, and at least one component of total DDT was detected in 19
of 23 fish samples. Concentrations of DDT and its metabolites in stream
sediments were significantly higher in the intensively cropped Red River
Valley Lake Plain, compared to upland areas, probably because of greater
historical DDT usage in the lake plain. Several polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons were detected in stream-bottom sediments. Although the
potentially toxic chemicals measured in this study were at low levels,
relative to more contaminated areas of the Nation, maximum concentrations of
some chemicals are of concern because of their possible effects on aquatic
biota and human health.
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U.S. Geological Survey