Publication Summary

Sportfish tissue and bottom sediment samples from 10 Washington State lakes were analyzed for EPA priority pollutants (except volatiles), herbicides, and organophosphorus pesticides. The level of chemical contamination was, with few exceptions, very low.

Sportfish tissue (fillet) and bottom sediment samples from 10 Washington State lakes were analyzed for EPA priority pollutants (except volatiles), herbicides, and organophosphorus pesticides. The level of chemical contamination was, with few exceptions, very low.

Moderately elevated concentrations of mercury (0.54 mg/Kg, wet) and selenium (0.95 mg/Kg, wet) were found in largemouth bass from Black Lake and Osoyoos Lake, respectively. Low levels (0.7 - 210 ug/Kg, wet) of DDT compounds, primarily the metabolite DDE, were detected in most fish samples. On a lipid weight basis, the total DDT concentration in the Osoyoos fish sample was high enough to suggest potentially significant historical applications in this drainage. Sediment analysis showed an extremely high concentration of copper (1,010 mg/Kg, dry) in Steilacoom Lake thought to be the result of past treatments with copper sulfate. Concentrations of copper, lead, antimony, cadmium, and silver were elevated in American Lake sediments. Organic compounds were infrequently detected in sediments and were limited to phenol, 4 methylphenol, fluoranthene, chrysene, and pyrene. Two organo-phosphorus pesticides, ethoprop and tebuthiuron, were also tentatively identified.

Follow up studies were recommended as a high priority in Steilacoom Lake and American Lake. Additional contaminant biomonitoring was recommended for Osoyoos Lake.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AJOH0020

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AMS002