Land Use and Era of Development Effects on PCB Contamination of Soils and Stormwater Sediments in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Abstract Submission: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) originating from biphenyl compounds, which were banned in the United States under the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. PCBs continue to be detected in various water bodies despite this ban and total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) have been established in many regions to manage their levels. This study investigates the presence and concentration of PCBs in local soils and roadway sediments, which may become mobilized during stormwater events. Soil and sediment samples from different sites across Anne Arundel County, Maryland, representing various land uses and periods of development were analyzed for 209 PCB congeners, as well as profiles of the ten homologues and low (1-4)/high (5-10) chlorinated PCBs. The study aims to correlate PCB concentrations in sediments with land use types (residential, commercial, industrial, greenspace, institutional, etc.) and development eras (before 1970s, after 1970s). The preliminary results show higher stormwater sediment PCB concentrations were found in the industrial area developed before 1970s (average 333 ± 34.7 ng/g) than residential (average 31.1 ± 4.09 ng/g) and commercial areas (average 11.4 ± 0.680 ng/g) with new development. This information will aid in estimating PCB load removal efficiency in stormwater control measures, enabling targeted remediation efforts for areas with the highest PCB sediment concentrations.

Learning Objectives/Expected Outcome (Optional) :