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Chemical constituents in sediment in Lake Pontchartrain and in street mud and canal sediment in New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 2005

October 19, 2007

Samples of street mud, suspended and bottom sediment in canals discharging to Lake Ponchartrain, and suspended and bottom sediment in the lake were collected and analyzed for chemical constituents to help evaluate the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the subsequent unwatering of New Orleans, Louisiana. The approach used for sampling and analysis of chemical data for the study is presented herein. Radionuclides, major and trace elements, and numerous organic compounds in sediment were analyzed. The organic compounds include organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, urban waste indicator compounds, and current-use pesticides. Methods for the analysis of urban waste indicator compounds and current-use pesticides in sediment were developed only recently.

Publication Year 2007
Title Chemical constituents in sediment in Lake Pontchartrain and in street mud and canal sediment in New Orleans, Louisiana, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 2005
DOI 10.3133/ds206
Authors Peter C. Van Metre, Jennifer T. Wilson, Arthur J. Horowitz, Stanley C. Skrobialowski, William T. Foreman, Christopher C. Fuller, Mark R. Burkhardt, Kent A. Elrick, Barbara Mahler, James J. Smith, Steven D. Zaugg
Publication Type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Series Title Data Series
Series Number 206
Index ID ds206
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Texas Water Science Center; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program