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The Fox River PCB transport study: Stepping stone to a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem

Fact Sheet 116-96
By:  and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/fs11696

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Abstract

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in the Great Lakes Despite being banned since the 1970's, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continue to pose a threat to the environment because of their persistence and toxicity to organisms ranging from minute algae to fish, waterfowl, and human beings. PCBs, a set of 209 related chlorinated organic compounds, had various industrial uses such as in hydraulic fluids, cutting oils, sealants, and pesticides. Despite the manufacturing ban in the mid-1970's, PCBs remain ubiquitous in the environment. In the Laurentian Great Lakes of the Midwest. PCBs and other toxic compounds contaminate bottom sediments at almost all designated "areas of concern" (AOC)(figure 1, upper left inset). The International Joint Commission, a binational group from Canada and the United States, has identified these AOCs in their efforts to restore and protect Great Lakes ecosystems. One such area, the Fox River which flows into Green Bay, has been the focus of much scientific study in an effort to improve not only that river but to apply lessons learned to other AOCs. The final goal is a healthy Great Lakes food chain with fish and waterfowl that are safe to consume.

Study Area

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title The Fox River PCB transport study: Stepping stone to a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 116-96
DOI 10.3133/fs11696
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Contributing office(s) Wisconsin Water Science Center
Description 3 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Fox River, Great Lakes, Lake Winnebago
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details