Publication Summary

Title

Results of a Screening Analysis for Metals and Organic Compounds in Shellfish from Padilla Bay and Vicinity

Month-Year PublishedMay 2000
Online Availability
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Short Description

Fourteen composite edible tissue samples from crabs, clams, oysters, and mussels collected in the Padilla Bay area were screened for over 130 potentially toxic and bioaccumulative metals and organic compounds, in response to health concerns expressed by the Swinomish Tribal Community. An extensive list of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were included in the analyses to provide baseline data for state agency spills programs in the event of oil spills in the area.

(Also see abstract below)
Publication Number00-03-008
Author(s)Johnson, A.
Print Availability
Request from the program.
Number of pages 37 + app (76 total)
Keywords lead, metals, Padilla Bay, Puget Sound, results, shellfish, spill, toxic
Subject Waterbodies
Padilla Bay,
Fidalgo Bay,
Guemes Channel,
Samish Bay
map of Washington state showing locations of subject waterbodies
Abstract Long Description

Fourteen composite edible tissue samples from crabs, clams, oysters, and mussels collected in the Padilla Bay area were screened for over 130 potentially toxic and bioaccumulative metals and organic compounds, in response to health concerns expressed by the Swinomish Tribal Community. An extensive list of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were included in the analyses to provide baseline data for state agency spills programs in the event of oil spills in the area.

Results showed little or no evidence of significant contamination. Slight elevations in several chemicals, including lead, tributyltin, DDT compounds, and PAH, were observed in areas known or suspected to have sources of these compounds. The Washington State Department of Health reviewed the data and concluded that most chemicals were at levels below human health concerns. Although arsenic and 2,3,7,8 -tetrachlorodibenzofuran concentrations appeared to be at background levels for Puget Sound, the concentrations in the shellfish samples exceeded human health screening levels. The Department of Health recommended additional sampling for arsenic.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AJOH0012


This page last updated March 10, 2008