title: Distribution of DDT in sediments off the central California coast.
abstract: A collaborative sampling cruise off the central California coast was conducted to evaluate contaminant transport pathways along and across the shelf in the spring of 2002. The area has a complex current structure and net transport routes are not known for sure. Sediment characteristics, and organic and trace metal contaminants were analyzed in sediments taken from locations near shore, out to the heads of several canyons. Relative to the continental shelf and Pioneer Canyon stations, DDT was found at higher concentrations in Ascension and Monterey Canyons. Monterey Bay still receives DDT from terrestrial runoff and may be the source of DDT found in Ascension Canyon. DDT concentrations in Monterey Bay biota indicate bioaccumulation is occurring at depth due to continuing input from the shore. Effects on the deep ocean benthic community is unknown.
authors.affiliation: NOAA/NOS/NCCOS, Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment, 1305 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. ian.hartwell@noaa.gov
authors.forename: S Ian
authors.initials: SI
authors.lastname: Hartwell
mesh_terms: D002140:California; D003634:DDT / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D019216:Metals, Heavy; D003634:DDT