Fate of petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic organics in Louisiana coastal environments
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-1-1990
Abstract
Numerous potentially toxic compounds are entering Louisiana's inshore and nearshore coastal environments. To a large degree there is insufficient information for predicting the fate and effect of these materials in aquatic environments. Studies documenting the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons entering Louisiana coastal wetlands are summarized. Also included are research findings on factors affecting the persistence of petroleum hydrocarbons and other toxic organics (pentachlorophenol (PCP), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), creosote, etc.) in sediment-water systems. Sediment pH and redox conditions have been found to play an important role in the microbial degradation of toxic organics. Most of the hydrocarbons investigated degrade more rapidly under high redox (aerobic) conditions although there are exceptions (e.g., 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl) (DDT) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs)). Some of these compounds, due to their slow degradation in anaerobic sediment, may persist in the system for decades. © 1990 Estuarine Research Federation.
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
Estuaries
First Page
72
Last Page
80
Recommended Citation
DeLaune, R., Gambrell, R., Pardue, J., & Patrick, W. (1990). Fate of petroleum hydrocarbons and toxic organics in Louisiana coastal environments. Estuaries, 13 (1), 72-80. https://doi.org/10.2307/1351434