Armstrong, D. E., Ongoing.    Influences of Zebra Mussels on the Distribution and Fate of Coplanar PCB Congeners in the Green Bay Estuary, University of Wisconsin-Madison,  Wisconsin Sea Grant Institute

Influences of Zebra Mussels on the Distribution and Fate of Coplanar PCB Congeners in the Green Bay Estuary

Objectives/Abstract:
The goal is to examine the influence of zebra mussels on the distribution and fate of PCBs, especially coplanar congeners, and to assess resulting effects on the toxicity of PCBs in Green Bay. Specific objectives are to: (1) develop a data set of coplanar PCBs and other congeners in Green Bay, including concentrations in veliger and adult zebra mussels, fecal matter, plankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates sediments and fish; (2) determine whether short-term temporal trends and spatial differences occur in concentrations of coplanar PCB congeners in zebra mussels and fish by sampling over a three-year period and in three or more areas; (3) assess the influence of zebra mussels on coplanar PCBs by comparing ratios, quantities, and fluxes of coplanar and non-coplanar congeners among compartments of the food web.

Methodology: Sampling for zebra mussels (veligers, adults, fecal pellets), phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, and fish will be conducted in Green Bay. Samples will be extracted and analyzed for individual PCB congeners, including coplanar congeners by multidimensional gas chromatography with electron capture detection. Congener transport and fate will be analyzed using congener ratios, pattern recognition and related techniques. Measured concentrations will be coupled with bioenergetic models to calculate burdens and fluxes of PCB congeners in and through zebra mussels.

Contact: D. E Armstrong, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 660 North Park St., Madison, WI 53706, (608) 262-0768 or armstrong@engr.wisc.edu
Keyword: Ecological_interactions, Ongoing_project, Zebra_mussel
Product Type: Environmental_impacts, Research
User Type: Resource_management