Magnitude and origin of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds resuspended in southern Lake Michigan

Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds are introduced into the water as a result of large‐scale storms and sediment resuspension in the southern basin of Lake Michigan. Settling and suspended sediments, as well as air and water samples, were collected in southern Lake Michigan over a 12 month period. Analysis of contaminant fluxes on settling particles shows that approximately 370 kg of PCBs and 110 kg of DDT compounds are resuspended in southern Lake Michigan during a single basin‐wide event (January 1999). Examination of contaminant signals indicates strong regional and temporal source‐receptor relationships between settling, suspended, and surficial sediments. The settling, suspended, and bottom surficial sediments in the shallow waters of the southern coastal region are enriched in lower molecular weight PCBs. The sediments in the water column and on the lake bottom in the deeper regions are enriched in higher molecular weight PCBs. Furthermore, falling sediments collected in the deeper regions of the lake are enriched in 4,4′‐DDT. The unique contaminant signal in deep water regions is surprising and suggests a source/receptor relationship among the bottom sediments and the sediments suspended and settling above them.