Deposition and chemistry of bottom sediments in Cochiti Lake, north-central New Mexico

Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4258
Prepared in cooperation with the Pueblo de Cochiti
By:  and 

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Abstract

Bottom sediments were sampled at seven sites in Cochiti Lake in September 1996. Sediment cores penetrating the entire lacustrine sediment sequence were collected at one site near the dam. Surficial sediments were sampled at the near-dam site and six other sites located along the length of the reservoir. Analyses included grain size, major and trace elements, organochlorine compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH's), and radionuclides. Concentrations of trace elements, organic compounds, and radionuclides are similar to those in other Rio Grande reservoirs and are low compared to published sediment-quality guidelines. Most elements and compounds that were detected did not show trends in the age estimated sediment cores with the exception of a decreasing trend in total DDT concentrations from about 1980 to 1992. The mixture of PAH's suggests that the increase is caused by inputs of fuel-related PAH and not combustion- related PAH.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Deposition and chemistry of bottom sediments in Cochiti Lake, north-central New Mexico
Series title Water-Resources Investigations Report
Series number 99-4258
DOI 10.3133/wri994258
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Texas Water Science Center
Description iv, 31 p.
Country United States
State New Mexico
Other Geospatial Cochiti Lake
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