WES-TNO Contaminant Mobility Research.

Ten 10 European scientists evaluated research programmes in relation to contaminant mobility from dredged materials into ecosystems. Intensive investigations and inventories were conducted at the Times Beach confined disposal site, which aided in the development of research objectives and future management concerns. Three Benton Harbor ID field sites were inspected, transects were lined out and sampling stations were selected. From each sampling station replicate soil or sediment samples were collected. Soil and sediments samples for an earthworm bioassay were collected from different depths representing the significant horizons that had been developed over time. A sampling station to collect background mussels for mussel watching at Times Beach was identified. Mussels were collected and exposed in Times Beach and Lake Erie. Mussels were also exposed at key locations in the Buffalo River in order to give an early warning to the District of future contaminant related dredging problems in the Buffalo River. High numbers of several waterfowl species have been found breeding in the Times Beach wetland. In order to assess uptake of contaminants that in the disposal site are present in the waterfowl, young ducks were shot prior to fledging. The bodies were subjected to a full histopathological inspection, including light-microscopic examination of the tissues. Aquatic and benthic inventories were conducted.