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Bioeffects Program Reports: Mid/North Atlantic Region

This project began in April 1991 and is ongoing.

The Bioeffects program is a nationwide program of environmental assessment designed to describe the current status of environmental quality in our nation's estuarine and coastal areas. Field studies examine the distribution and concentration of over 150 chemical contaminants in sediments, measure sediment toxicity, and assess the condition of bottom-dwelling biological communities. This information is integrated into a comprehensive assessment of the health of the marine habitat.

Why We Care
Bioeffects projects are designed to assess the spatial distribution and magnitude of effect of chemical contamination, and develop indicators of environmental contaminant exposure in water bodies, ranging from small estuaries to large bays and coastal areas. Data are applicable to environmental risk assessments, damage assessments, and for planning future resource management and restoration activities. Using consistent methods over the life of the program allows for comparison of the magnitude and extent of contaminant effects relative to other locations throughout the U.S., and over time. All data are generated following strict performance-based quality control and quality assurance protocols. Data are available to regional, federal, state, and local resource managers and the public via publications, presentations, and a website data portal.

What We Did
Bioeffects studies are generally a one-time, intensive sampling effort. All sites within the study area are sampled for chemical analyses, and sea floor community assessment in as short a time as possible, so the data reflect a snapshot of the condition of the entire system at a point in time. In brief, field procedures include sampling sediment and the overlying water column. Two sediment samples are taken at each site using what is known as a “Young-modified Van Veen grab sampler.” Only the upper 2–3 cm of the sediment is retained in order to assure collection of recently deposited materials. The sediment samples are thoroughly homogenized in the field and are then subdivided for distribution to various testing laboratories. A third sample is taken for sea floor community analysis. A profile of water quality in the water column is measured to include standard variables such as temperature, depth, salinity, dissolved oxygen, etc. Detailed descriptions of the sampling techniques and procedures are available by contacting the project manager.

Project Reports for the Mid/North Atlantic Region (Virginia to Maine):

Chesapeake Bay

Delaware Bay

  • Magnitude and Extent of Contaminated Sediment and Toxicity in Delaware Bay, 2001 (see Products below)
  • Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays; 1994 (see Products below)
  • Delaware Bay and Adjacent Waters Benthic Community Assessment, 1998 (see Products below)
  • Final Report on Toxicity Testing of Sediments from Delaware Bay and Surrounding Areas, 1998 (see Products below)
  • Response of the P450 RGS Assay to Extracts of Sediments Collected from Delaware Bay, 1998 (see Products below)

Hudson Raritan Estuary

  • Magnitude and Extent of Sediment Toxicity in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary 1995 (see Products below)
  • Assessment of Chemical Contaminants in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary and Coastal New Jersey Area, 1993 (see Products below)
  • The Biology of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary, with Emphasis on Fishes, 1985 (see Products below)
  • Hudson River and Raritan Bay Benthic Assessment, 1998

Long Island Sound

  • Biological Effects of Toxic Contaminants in Sediments from Long Island Sound and Environs, 1994 (see Products below)
  • National Status and Trends Program for Marine Environmental Quality: Toxic Contaminants in Long Island Sound, 1989 (see Products below)
  • Magnitude and Extent of Sediment Toxicity in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary, 1995 (see Products below)

Massachusetts Bay

  • An Ecological Characterization of the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary Region: Oceanographic, Biogeographic, and Contaminants Assessment, 2006 (see Products below)

Boston Harbor

  • Sediment Toxicity in Boston Harbor: Magnitude, Extent, and Relationships with Chemical Toxicants, 1996 (see Products below)
  • Status and Trends in Concentrations of Selected Contaminants in Boston Harbor Sediments and Biota, 1991 (see Products below)

Additional Resources

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Products, Datasets & Reports

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