Research Project Summaries

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10929/68526

The research project summary is a 3-5 page document providing a brief, general overview of the project.

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 87

Additional Air Monitoring in Paterson Study (AAMPS): Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2012-01) Bonanno, Linda J.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) awarded funding to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for an additional year of air toxics monitoring in Paterson City, N.J. to follow up on findings from the Urban Community Air Toxics Monitoring Project, Paterson City, NJ (UCAMPP) study conducted during 2005-2006. In the earlier study, temporarily elevated levels of p-dichlorobenzene at one (176 Broadway) of the three monitoring locations in Paterson resulted in community concerns about the possible long-term implications of this exposure. The Additional Air Monitoring in Paterson Study’s (AAMPS) main purpose was to determine if concentrations of p-dichlorobenzene would become elevated again or if this excursion was an isolated event. A secondary goal of the project was to obtain more information on the sources of an additional six air toxics, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, chloromethane and tetrachloroethylene, that were found to be above the health benchmark during UCAMPP. The majority of the risk associated with these air toxics is primarily from mobile sources. These chemicals are generally elevated throughout New Jersey. AAMPS air toxics monitoring occurred from April 2010 through May 2011. Two types of air samples were collected; vacuum canisters were analyzed by the USEPA TO-15 method and Organic Vapor Monitors were used for spatial saturation sampling. Concentrations and associated risks observed during AAMPS were very similar to those observed during UCAMPP and also similar to those observed in other areas in New Jersey. In contrast to UCAMPP, no elevation in p-dichlorobenzene was observed compared to background levels. None of the facilities adjacent to 176 Broadway used pdichlorobenzene, even in small quantities. The investigation by NJDEP’s Compliance and Enforcement program area identified nine potential sources of p-dichlorobenzene in and around Paterson. Of these nine potential sources, one was located in Clifton but it was too far away and the prevailing wind direction on days in 2006 with elevated levels precluded this company as the source, four other facilities did not use/make p-dichlorobenzene and four other facilities had closed and there were no records available. Based upon the investigation by NJDEP’s Compliance and Enforcement program area, on-the-ground knowledge of the facilities by NJDEP inspectors and prevailing wind direction, the most likely source would have been Galaxy Chemical. This facility shut down and no records are available from 2006. Thus, there is a good possibility that the source of the p-dichlorobenzene no longer exists. The spatial saturation sampling did not reveal any patterns that could be associated with sources.
Air Toxics Analysis in New Jersey: Ambient Data Review and Model Validation: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Science, 2013-05) Biton, Leiran; Miller, Paul; Polissar, Alexander; Aucott, Michael
The Northeast States for Coordinated Air Use Management (NESCAUM) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) completed a project to better characterize air toxics levels in the atmosphere and evaluate air quality models for use in assessing policies to reduce levels of air toxics. The goal of the project was to provide a comprehensive assessment of air toxics in New Jersey based on three primary tasks: (1) statistical analyses of ambient air toxics data in New Jersey; (2) comparisons between existing ambient data, air quality modeling results, and emission inventories; and (3) evaluation of an updated model for use with air toxics. Ambient monitoring air toxics data in New Jersey and surrounding states were analyzed to determine the levels for air toxics in and around New Jersey.
Ambient elemental, reactive gaseous and particle-bound mercury concentrations in New Jersey, U.S : measurements and associations with wind direction: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Science, 2011-09) Aucott, Michael; Caldarelli, Adriana; Zsolway, Rudolph; Pietarinen, Charles; England, Randy
Two and a half years of ambient concentrations of elemental mercury, reactive gaseous mercury (RGM), and particle-bound mercury were collected at measurement sites at Elizabeth, NJ and New Brunswick, NJ with Tekran sampling units in order to gather information on ambient atmospheric mercury levels, to determine whether these levels could be associated with known sources, and to develop a method to analyze these data. The data were processed, summarized, and evaluated from a variety of perspectives. Data quality control and quality assurance procedures are described. Wind direction and wind speed data were also collected. Significant temporal variations in concentrations of all three species were observed. Some significant directional variations were also seen. The sporadic nature of many of the temporal variations is consistent with and could reflect highly variable emission patterns from anthropogenic mercury sources. Overall mean concentrations of all species were determined. These were, for Hg0 , Hgp, and RGM respectively: 2.25 ± 0.04 nanograms per cubic meter (ng/m3 ), 8.21 ± 0.39 picograms per cubic meter (pg/m3), and 8.93 ± 0.31 pg/m3 (arithmetic means and 95% confidence intervals) at Elizabeth, and 2.15 ± 0.02 ng/m3, 10.73 ± 0.45 pg/m3, and 6.04 ± 0.30 pg/m3 at New Brunswick. Mean concentrations were determined for 16 different sectors representing wind directions. The impact of one known large source is suggested by these data. Reasons for some directional variations are not apparent and suggest a need for further investigation.
Ambient Levels of Metals in New Jersey Soils: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-05) Sanders, Paul F.
Between 1996 and 2001, three studies were conducted to determine the ambient levels of extractable metals in New Jersey soils. These studies were conducted to gather information to support the development of soil cleanup criteria, which cannot be set below ambient levels. A total of 248 soil samples were taken from the urban Piedmont region, the urban Coastal Plain region, and rural regions of the Valley and Ridge, Highlands, and Coastal Plain provinces. Local or point sources of contamination were avoided by the use of Geographic Information System databases and by following sample location guidelines in the field. Surface soil samples (0-6”) were analyzed for acid-extractable Target Analyte List (TAL) metals using USEPA SW-846 methods that are normally used to conduct initial investigations at hazardous waste sites. With one exception, median and 90th percentile concentrations of all metals were below current soil cleanup criteria. The exception was the 90th percentile arsenic concentration from the urban Piedmont study, which slightly exceeded the arsenic criterion. Otherwise, only certain individual samples contained metal concentrations above current criteria. A single rural soil sample yielded a beryllium concentration slightly above the corresponding criterion. For the urban Coastal Plain study, three of the 91 samples contained levels of arsenic above the current criterion. The urban Piedmont study yielded eight samples out of 67 where levels of arsenic or lead exceeded the criteria.
Analysis of Mercury Species in New Jersey Ground water Using Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry and Gas Chromatography: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy, Division of Science and Research, 1993-06) Murphy, Eileen A.; Dooley, John; Windom, Herbert L.; Smith, Ralph G. Jr.
Water samples from 78 private potable wells in southern NJ were collected for mercury analysis in 1991-1992. The wells are located in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape Map and Ocean Counties. Total mercury concentrations varied from 1 ng/L to over 36 Fg/L. The dominant form in which mercury occurred in the wells sampled was inorganic, although monomethylmercury was present in some wells comprising up to 8% of the total mercury in one ground-water sample. Mercury analyses performed using the EPA Method 245.1 should be interpreted with caution. While this method is generally suited for analyzing waters having elevated mercury concentrations (total mercury levels above 2000 ng/L or 2 µg/L), it is less sensitive and even inadequate for characterizing background mercury levels.
An Analysis of the Feasibility of Using Fertility Control to Manage New Jersey Black Bear Populations: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2006-10-30) Buchanan, Gary; Ruppel, Bruce
The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for managing black bears and developing comprehensive management strategies for the control of the state’s growing black bear population. DFW requested an assessment of the current status of, and feasibility of using fertility control agents as a method of population control. The Division of Science, Research and Technology (DSRT) provided technical support to DFW and funded this project to conduct this independent literature review.
Applying Innovative Diagnostic Tools at New Jersey Publicly Funded Sites: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Environmental Health, 2016-08) Fennell, Donna E.; Häggblom, Max
This project demonstrated the use of Environmental Molecular Diagnostic Tools (EMDs) for detecting microbial biodegradation of contaminants and identifying bacteria responsible for contaminant biodegradation or biotransformation at three contaminated sites in New Jersey. These sites were unique based on the contamination present, and EMDs were selected to address a particular issue at each site. EMDs is a collective term that describes a group of advanced and emerging techniques used to analyze biological and chemical characteristics of soils, sediments, groundwater, and surface water. Many of these tools were originally developed for applications in medicine, defense, and industry. Over the last decade, great advances have been made in adapting and applying EMDs for site characterization, remediation, monitoring, and closure. EMDs are important and valuable because they can provide key information not available using traditional analytical methods (e.g., groundwater analysis for volatile organic compounds). While they are intended to complement these traditional methods, EMDs can bring a new perspective to all stages in the environmental management decision-making process. As a result of this work, a bio-augmentation/bio-stimulation design was developed for an organic solvent plume at one site. At a second site, Stable Isotope Probing (SIP) was used to confirm the presence of dehalogenating organisms and bio-stimulation demonstrated rapid reductive dechlorination. Finally, aniline degrading organisms were studied using SIP. Aniline biodegradation was demonstrated and the specific bacteria responsible for biodegradation were identified.
Arsenic and Mercury in Residential Well Water from Readington and Raritan Townships, Hunterdon County, New Jersey: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2002-07) Murphy, Eileen A.
In October 2000, well water testing for arsenic and mercury was offered to residents living in Readington and Raritan Townships in Hunterdon County, New Jersey. The goal was to generate data on levels of these contaminants in groundwater used for drinking water in the area. Previous testing showed that this part of the state may have potentially elevated levels of arsenic in well water due to leaching from certain arsenic-rich geologic formations. Two hundred thirty-eight wells were sampled. Three quarters of the well water samples contained arsenic levels below 5 μg/L (micrograms per liter). A quarter of the samples were above 5 μg/L, with 3% of wells containing arsenic levels above 10 μg/L. The highest arsenic level observed in this study was 35 μg/L. Few water samples had detectable levels of mercury, and of those where mercury was detected, the levels were trace.
Assessing the Biological Control of Atlantic Bay Nettles (Chrysaora chesapeakei) by Nudibranchs: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science and Research, 2020-09) Bologna, Paul; Gaynor, Jack; Restaino, Dena
A multi-year study was conducted to assess nudibranch predation as a means of controlling Atlantic Bay Nettle (Chrysaora chesapeakei) and other cnidarian polyps, which can successively mitigate the production and abundance of adult medusae in coastal waters. Nudibranchs collected from Barnegat Bay and the Shrewsbury Rive demonstrated selective predation and consumption of C. chesapeakei polyps in laboratory and field settings, though several factors may influence their effectiveness in controlling populations. Laboratory studies indicate that while complete predation of polyps did occur, incomplete or partial predation of polyps was also common. Under the latter conditions, nudibranchs consumed polyp tentacles, but failed to consume whole individuals. Another extenuating factor in nudibranch control of polyps is predation by nudibranchs on sea anemones observed in choice experiments. In the laboratory, predation potential was investigated using bay nettle polyps and the non-native sea anemone Diadumene lineata, a co-inhabitant of the man-made structures preferred for settlement by C. chesapeakei. The results showed a significant predation preference for C. chesapeakei. However, nudibranchs may be limited in their ability to act as efficient predators on bay nettle polyps if D. lineata are present in high numbers. The presence of other cnidarian species comprised in the diet of wild aeolid nudibranchs was also assessed. Nudibranch cerata were collected and 16S rDNA sequences of cnidarian DNA amplified from grouped individuals. Results showed that cnidarian DNA was present in over half of the samples with positive identification of Obelia bidentata, Moerisia spp., and C. chesapeakei. While nudibranchs possess the potential to control C. chesapeakei polyps, substantial aquaculture of individuals would be needed to seed coastal communities sufficiently to act as an effective biological means of managing cnidarian populations.
Assessment of Exposure in the Community Surrounding the Martin Luther King/Jefferson School Construction Site in Trenton: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2008-11) Weisel, Clifford P.; Gochfeld, Michael; Lioy, Paul J.; Stern, Alan H.
As part of the construction of a new school at the existing Martin Luther King/Jefferson School site in Trenton, NJ in 2004-2005, exogenous fill material consisting of soil and concrete fragments was introduced to the site to stabilize the foundation. Subsequent construction in and around this material resulted in reports from the community of dust transport into residential areas. There were also anecdotal reports of respiratory symptoms in surrounding residents. Testing of the fill material revealed low to moderate levels of lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the fill material. The NJDEP Division of Science and Research was asked to investigate whether and to what extent the fill material was transported to and within homes in the surrounding community.
Assessment of Historical and Current Trends in Mercury Deposition to New Jersey Aquatic Systems through Analysis of Sediment/Soil Cores - Year 2: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2004-08) Shuster, Edward L.; Bopp, Richard F.; Kroenke, Amy E.; Downes Gastrich, Mary
Atmospheric deposition is an important source of mercury (Hg) to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and has global, regional, and local components. Deposition of mercury to waterbodies in New Jersey has resulted in elevated levels of mercury in fish across the state. Several recent studies have found elevated levels of mercury in fish sampled from many freshwater bodies including pristine lakes in remote areas. Results from the first year study showed that mercury fluxes (i.e., deposition rate) were comparable to fluxes in other parts of New Jersey and to regional atmospheric fluxes to the Great Lakes. However, the first year of this study identified Woodcliff Lake as a site of elevated mercury levels in sediments. This follow-up study included the collection of sediment cores across three sites in northeastern New Jersey to assess the importance of local sources of atmospheric mercury deposition to Woodcliff Lake and surrounding areas.
Assessment of Historical and Current Trends in Mercury Deposition to New Jersey Aquatic Systems through Analysis of Sediment/Soil Cores: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-02) Kroenke, Amy E.; Shuster, Edward L.; Bopp, Richard F.; Downes Gastrich, Mary
Atmospheric deposition is an important source of mercury to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems and has global, regional, and local components. Deposition of mercury to waterbodies in New Jersey has resulted in elevated levels of mercury in fish across the state. Potentially significant sources of mercury to waterbodies in New Jersey include coal-burning power plants, municipal solid waste incineration, and metal smelting. Analysis of dated sediment cores has been a most useful tool for documenting historical changes in atmospheric mercury fluxes to waterbodies. This is the first study to analyze sediment cores to estimate the historic pattern of mercury to New Jersey aquatic systems. The objectives were to identify and characterize the extent of atmospheric mercury deposition to New Jersey aquatic systems and to identify indications of local sources of mercury contribution to these systems. Sediment core samples were taken from five lakes and one coastal marsh, dated based on radionuclide analyses, and analyzed for total mercury. The results indicated that mercury fluxes have generally decreased since an historic high rate in the late 1940s. Mercury fluxes were, however, still significantly elevated at most sites compared with estimates of mercury fluxes in remote areas in North America receiving background mercury deposition. However, the results in NJ lakes are comparable to recent mercury fluxes to the Great Lakes suggesting a large-scale regional influence. One site, Woodcliff Lake in northeastern NJ, had particularly elevated fluxes of mercury similar to Central Park Lake, NY and future efforts will be directed to determine if the mercury deposition to these water bodies reflects a more localized area of elevated mercury deposition, and if so, to provide information on its likely sources.
Assessment of Total Mercury Concentrations in Fish from Rivers, Lakes and Reservoirs in New Jersey: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2002-07) Horwitz, Richard J.; Valinsky, David J.; Overbeck, Paul; Kiry, Paul; Ruppel, Bruce E.
In 1996-97, Academy Natural Sciences, Philadelphia (ANSP) conducted a study of mercury levels in freshwater gamefish in New Jersey. A total of 258 fish samples from 30 water bodies were analyzed. These included single fillet samples of 58 largemouth bass, 58 chain pickerel and 109 large specimens of other commonly consumed species and 32 whole-body analysis of forage fish species. The results of this study are consistent with ANSP 1992-93 mercury in fish research in New Jersey. The highest mercury concentrations were in fish from the Pine Barrens region and marginal to the Pine Barrens. Mercury levels varied greatly in fish from industrial areas, northern and northwestern waterways and cold-water streams. Mercury concentrations typically increased with species trophic level, but among-species variation within each group was observed. Highest levels were typically found in piscivorous species (e.g., chain pickerel, largemouth bass), as well as in larger and older specimens of all species analyzed. Lower mercury concentrations were seen in a wide variety of commonly consumed species including perch, sunfish, crappie, catfish and bullhead. Mercury levels in samples of forage fish varied by species and location. Elevated mercury concentrations in chain pickerel were explained by models identifying a decreasing gradient from low alkalinity, high DOC, low pH sites (e.g., Pine Barrens), to higher alkalinity, low DOC, high pH sites (e.g.some northern lakes). For chain pickerel, mercury concentrations were typically higher in fillets verses whole body, with median ratios of 1.3 times greater than the whole body. In addition, the results of the 1994-95 NJDEP 15 lake follow-up study (reported herein) are in agreement with the ANSP 1992-93 study and this investigation. Also reported herein is a review of the entire five-study database (1100 samples) showing that mercury is ubiquitous in New Jersey freshwater systems. Although regional differences exist (e.g., Pine Barrens), mercury has been found in freshwater fish from all geographical areas of the state. Mercury levels for the Pine Barrens and non-Pine Barrens fish are consistent over the entire database. Elevated mercury levels are identified in top trophic level species, in individual specimens from each trophic level and in larger and/or older specimens of all species. While mercury concentrations were generally found to be less in lower and bottom trophic level species, mercury concentrations in some of these most commonly consumed species were greater than NJDEP thresholds that can trigger fish consumption advisories
Brown Tide Assessment Project in NJ Coastal Waters: A comparison of three bloom years (2000-2002) with two non-bloom years (2003-04): Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2006-08) Pecchioli, Joel A.; Lathrop, Richard; Haag, Scott
Brown tides are caused by the rapid population growth (“bloom”) of a minute alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens. To determine whether these blooms are a threat to coastal waters in New Jersey, the Division of Science Research and Technology implemented the Brown Tide Assessment Project from 2000-2004. The primary objectives of this study are to (1) characterize the spatial and temporal occurrence of brown tides in Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor, (2) identify those environmental factors that may promote the development and maintenance of brown tides, and (3) analyze the risk of brown tides to submerged aquatic vegetation communities. Category 2 (> 35,000 cells ml-1) and Category 3 (> 200,000 cells ml-1) A. anophagefferens blooms occurred throughout the study area in 2000-2002 (mean abundances exceeded 190,000 cells ml-1), while none of the monthly means in 2003/04 were classified as a Category 2 or 3 bloom. Category 3 blooms generally occurred during months with mean water temperatures above 14 C, and a minimum temperature above 13.5 C; and with mean salinity between 26 and 31 ppt, and a minimum salinity of at least 17 ppt. However, these environmental conditions do not always result in the occurrence of a Category 3 bloom. Concentrations of total nitrogen, dissolved organic nitrogen, and nitrite + nitrate were higher during the bloom year of 2002 compared to the non-bloom years of 2003/04. In contrast, ammonia showed lower concentrations during 2002. Category 3 brown tides did not occur in any month where the Toms River flow exceeded 200 ft3 sec-1. A Cartographic and Regression Tree Analysis identified ammonia and dissolved organic nitrogen concentrations, and the Toms River flow, as factors that distinguished Category 1 (< 35,000 cells ml-1) and Category 3 A. anophagefferens blooms. However, it appears that the observed differences in nitrogen species concentrations may be a result of A. anophagefferens blooms impacting nutrient cycles, rather than nutrient levels initiating the brown tides. Analysis of the risk of brown tides to submerged aquatic vegetation habitat indicated that 50% of the mapped habitat in Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor is potentially at risk of negative impacts. Graphic displays of the spatial patterns of A. anophagefferens abundance and selected environmental factors can be viewed at: http://crssa.rutgers.edu/projects/btide/index.html.
Brown Tide Bloom Assessment Project in NJ Coastal Waters: 2000-2002: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-10) Downes Gastrich, Mary; Lathrop, Richard; Haag, Scott; Weinstein, Michael P.; Danko, Michael; Caron, David A.; Shaffner, Rebecca
Brown tide blooms, caused by the rapid growth of a minute alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens, caused the demise of the scallop industry in coastal bays of Long Island, NY, in the mid-1980s. These blooms were also suspected in Barnegat Bay, NJ, at the same time but were not confirmed until 1995. Because of limited data, and to determine whether these blooms were a threat to coastal waters in NJ, the Division of Science Research and Technology (DSRT) established the Brown Tide Assessment Project to assess brown tide blooms in Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor (BB/LEH) from 2000-2002 through 1) mapping the abundances of the brown tide using the Brown Tide Bloom Index; 2) assessing the relationship between the brown tide abundances and environmental factors (e.g., salinity, temperature, nitrogen species); and 3) analyzing of the risk of brown tide blooms to submerged aquatic vegetation communities. Brown tide abundances were detected at all stations; the most severe brown tide blooms (Category 3), as well as less severe (Category 2) blooms, recurred during each of the three years of sampling and covered significant geographic areas of the BB/LEH. While the highest abundances of brown tide are positively associated with warmer water temperatures and higher salinity, these factors are not sufficient to promote blooms. Extended drought conditions with corresponding low freshwater inputs and elevated bay water salinities occurred during this time, possibly contributing to these blooms. Abundances of brown tide in New Jersey coastal bays are high enough to cause potentially harmful effects on juvenile hard clams. Results of the analysis of the risk of brown tide blooms to submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) habitat indicated that 35% of the state’s SAV habitat in BB/LEH is at significant risk of negative impacts due to brown tide blooms. Over 70% of the state’s SAV habitat is located in BB/LEH. Graphic displays of the spatial patterns of the brown tide blooms and environmental factors can be viewed at: http://crssa.rutgers.edu/projects/btide/index.html.
Characterization of Hexavalent Chromium Concentrations in Household Dust in Background Areas: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Science, 2009-06) Fan, Zhi-Hua (Tina); Shalat, Stuart; Yu, Chang-Ho; Black, Kathy; Lin, Lin; Stern, Alan H.
In order to understand the significance of the low-level ubiquitous occurrence of hexavalent chromium (Cr+6 ) in house dust sampled in the Hudson County Chromium Exposure and Health Study in Jersey City, New Jersey, a study was undertaken to measure Cr+6 in samples of house dust obtained from background locations unrelated to Jersey City. A total of 20 homes was sampled in New Brunswick, New Jersey and surrounding towns. Three samples were collected in each home and analyzed for Cr+6. Total chromium (Cr+6 + Cr+3) was also analyzed in 17% of samples. As in Jersey City, Cr+6 was found to be ubiquitous in house dust samples in the background locations. No significant difference was found between Cr+6 concentrations in Jersey City and the background locations. Evidence suggests that at least some of the Cr+6 in the dust arose from materials inside the houses. Comparison of the correlation of Cr+6 and Cr+3 in Jersey City and the background locations indicates that residual chromate production waste (COPR) in Jersey City was not a major source of the Cr+6 in Jersey City house dust. In addition to household materials, possible sources of Cr+6 in house dust include atmospheric deposition, naturally occurring Cr+6 in soil, and exogenous soil and soil treatments containing Cr+6 contamination. Further research will be needed to identify the sources of Cr+6 in house dust.
The Characterization of Tentatively Identified Compounds (TICs) in Water Samples Collected from Public Water Systems in New Jersey: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-03) Murphy, Eileen; Buckley, Brian; Lippincott, Lee; Yang, Ill; Rosen, Bob
This is a summary report of a detailed investigation in which the analysis of synthetic organic chemicals by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Liquid Chromatography (LC) was conducted on raw and finished water samples collected from public water supplies using ground water as a source of drinking water. All water systems sampled are known to be contaminated by volatile organic chemicals except for one (the “control” system). This work investigated the potential presence of non-volatile and semi-volatile organic chemicals in those water supplies. Five bottled waters were also sampled. Several generalizations can be made: 1) water serving systems impacted by identified hazardous waste sites have distinct and sometimes unique TICs associated with them; 2) TICs are generally low in concentration, most being estimated at a concentration below a part per billion (microgram per liter, mg/L); and 3) many organic chemicals reported as TICs were not actually in the water sampled but were found in the analysis due to sampling and/or laboratory contamination.
Chromium Exposure and Health Effects in Hudson County: Phase I: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2008-12) Lioy, Paul J.; Gochfeld, Michael; Fan, Zhi-hua (Tina); Shalat, Stuart L.; Black, Kathy; Lin, Lin
During much of the twentieth century, Hudson County, and particularly Jersey City, was one of the world centers of chromate production from chromite ore. The slag and waste products from this production referred to as COPR (chromite ore processing residue) was disposed in various locations and given away gratis for fill, berms etc. This resulted in a legacy of approximately 200 COPR waste sites in Hudson County. COPR contains variable amounts of hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) as well as trivalent chromium (Cr+3). Cr+6 is a known human inhalation carcinogen (USEPA, 1998). Recent evidence indicates that it is also an ingestion carcinogen (NTP, 2008). Because of its carcinogenic potential, Cr+6 is the substance of greatest concern in COPR.
Citizen's Guide to the Characterization of Tentatively Identified Compounds (TICs) in Water Samples Collected from Public Water Systems in New Jersey
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-03) New Jersey. Department of Environmental Protection. Division of Sciente, Research and Technology
Communicating Status and Trends in Environmental Quality : Reactions of Legislative Staff, Reporters, Activists, and Citizens: Research Project Summary
(Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Science, Research and Technology, 2003-05) Johnson, Branden B.; Chess, Caron; Gibson, Ginger
When agencies wish to communicate the status or trend in an environmental condition (for example, whether ozone levels currently exceed the federal ambient standard; whether ozone levels have been declining in the past 20 years), they often use quantitative information, particularly in the form of a chart or graph. This research project explored how various audiences would react to visual presentations of status and trend measures across a variety of environmental topics (air quality, drinking water quality, endangered species, etc.). The general reaction was positive, although people attentive to government (legislative staff, reporters, activists) were more skeptical about the information than were ordinary citizens. Making status and trend presentations understandable and accurate can be a problem, and many citizens made the error of inferring local environmental conditions from measures that used statewide data only.

Browse

Browsing Research Project Summaries by Title