Human and Ecological Risk Assessment An International Journal · 2003 · 14 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEnvironmental SciencesToxicologyEcotoxicologyEnvironmental ChemistryEnvironmental ToxicologyAquatic Contaminant FateAquatic EcotoxicologySediment ContaminationSediment ToxicitySediment ToxicologyWater PollutionAquatic Pollutant ChemistryBioaccumulation In Benthic OrganismsContaminated Sediment Risk AssessmentEcological Risk Assessment Of SedimentsEnvironmental Impact Of SolventsPersistent BioaccumulationRiver PollutionToxic Contamination
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) has never been commercially produced in Canada and was imported in the past for use as a solvent. Anthropogenic activity is linked with the entry of this substance into the environment. While current Canadian sources of HCBD involve low-level releases, potentially they can be numerous. Until recently, the most significant point source of HCBD in Canada appeared to be the Cole Drain, which discharges into the St. Clair River at Sarnia, Ontario, and includes outfalls from an industrial landfill and a few industrial companies. HCBD has been detected in Canadian surface waters, sediments, aquatic organisms and, occasionally, air. Considering the properties of the substance, including its persistence and bioaccumulation characteristics, the environmental risk assessment of HCBD was focused on the aquatic environment. The results of a conservative assessment suggest that there is a risk of harmful effects for benthic organisms exposed to sediments contaminated by HCBD in the most contaminated part of the St. Clair River.