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Distribution of Selected Halogenated Organic Compounds Among Suspended Particulate, Colloid, and Aqueous Phases in the Mississippi River and Major Tributaries

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Abstract

Suspended particulate, colloid, and aqueous phases were separated and analyzed to determine spatial variation of specific organic compound transport associated with each phase in a dynamic river system. Sixteen sites along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries were sampled at low-flow conditions to maximize the possibility of equilibrium. Across the solubility range studied, the proportion transported by each phase depended on the compound solubility, with more water-soluble compounds (dacthal, trifluralin) transported predominantly in the aqueous phase and less-water soluble compounds (polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordane-related compounds) transported predominantly in the particulate and colloid phases.

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Acknowledgments

The investigators acknowledge J. Moody for sampling assistance and T. Noyes for designing and deploying sample isolation equipment. Use of trade names in this report is for identification purposes only and does not constitute endorsement by the United States Geological Survey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. United States Geological Survey, Building 95, Mail Stop 408, Denver Federal Center, Box 25046, Denver, CO, 80225, USA

    C. E. Rostad

  2. Department of Chemistry and Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, 80401, USA

    S. R. Daniel

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  1. C. E. Rostad
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  2. S. R. Daniel
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Correspondence to C. E. Rostad.

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Rostad, C.E., Daniel, S.R. Distribution of Selected Halogenated Organic Compounds Among Suspended Particulate, Colloid, and Aqueous Phases in the Mississippi River and Major Tributaries. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 53, 151–158 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-005-0056-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-005-0056-1

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