Historical Changes in Trace Metals and Hydrocarbons in the Inner Shelf Sediments, Beaufort Sea: Prior and Subsequent to Petroleum-Related Industrial Developments Final rept

摘要

This was a two-year study (1997-1999) of historical changes in concentrations of selected trace metals in sediments of the Beaufort Sea nearshore, arctic Alaska - from Harrison Bay to the Canning River delta. The research involved the metals V, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Ba, Fe, and Mn in sediment mud fractions (less than 62 micro meters), and concentrations in gross sediments of total Hg (THg) and methyl Hg (MeHg), saturated hydrocarbons (normal and isoprenoid alkanes, triterpenoids and steranes) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH). The primary purpose of the study was to ascertain if there were any significant increases in concentrations of the trace metals and hydrocarbons subsequent to the recent development of petroleum-related industrial activities. An additional purpose was to gain an understanding of the sources of hydrocarbons accumulated in the sediments in view of ongoing, as well as proposed, oil and gas development in the region.