Showing papers on "Environmental monitoring published in 1978"

Mapping of chlorophyll a distributions in coastal zones

Abstract: It is pointed out that chlorophyll a is an important environmental parameter for monitoring water quality, nutrient loads, and pollution effects in coastal zones. High chlorophyll a concentrations occur in areas which have high nutrient inflows from sources such as sewage treatment plants and industrial wastes. Low chlorophyll a concentrations may be due to the addition of toxic substances from industrial wastes or other sources. Remote sensing provides an opportunity to assess distributions of water quality parameters, such as chlorophyll a. A description is presented of the chlorophyll a analysis and a quantitative mapping of the James River, Virginia. An approach considered by Johnson (1977) was used in the analysis. An application of the multiple regression analysis technique to a data set collected over the New York Bight, an environmentally different area of the coastal zone, is also discussed.

Guidelines for zooplankton sampling in quantitative baseline and monitoring programs

Abstract: Methods applicable to zooplankton sampling and analysis in quantitative baseline and monitoring surveys are evaluated and summarized. Specific recommendations by managers must take into account characteristics of the water mass under investigation, the abundance of contained zooplankton and phytoplankton populations and the objectives of the study. Realistic planning and development must also consider available monetary and manpower resources. This report was submitted in fulfillment of Contract No. R804147010 by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science under the sponsorship of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. This report covers a period from 24 Nov 75 to 31 May 77, and work was completed as of 25 Feb 77.

Environmental Pollution of Estuaries — A Problem of Hazards

Abstract: The problem of environmental pollution of estuaries is viewed in the wider perspective, including the role of mixing, as a process common to estuaries and other systems and regulated by spatial variations. Increasing mobilization of heavy-metals and other pollutants to the estuarine environment, imparting hazards to Man in the long run, is a cause for concern and provides the reasons and bases for environmental monitoring. Already total lessons have been learnt from catastrophic outbreaks of mercury poisoning in Japan.

Land Based Environmental Monitoring at Johnston Island - Disposal of Herbicide Orange

Abstract: : As a part of the U.S. Air Force final Environmental Impact Statement of incineration of Herbicide Orange from Johnston Island, the Air Force stated that a monitoring program would be conducted to demonstrate that the landbased transfer operations were carried out in an environmentally safe manner. Battelle, Columbus Laboratories conducted these monitoring programs on Johnston Island. The monitoring of at-sea incineration operations were conducted by TRW and have been reported elsewhere. Concentrations of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T found in the ambient air and water samples were minimal. No TCDD was detected in any air or water samples. No changes that could be attributed to the operations were noted in indigenous plant or bird populations. Results of quality control sampling revealed that the required level of drum cleaning was achieved. Industrial Hygiene evaluations of the land-based operations revealed that only minor accidents or injuries occurred and exposure of workers to airborne 2,4,-D and 2,4,5-T were well below permissable levels. No adverse consequences of the minimal release of Herbicide Orange into the Johnston Atoll environment were observed. (Author)

Development and evaluation of a helicopter-borne water-quality monitoring system

Abstract: A small, helicopter-borne water-quality monitoring package is being developed by the NASA/EPA using a combination of basic in situ water quality sensors and physical sample collector technology. The package is a lightweight system which can be carried and operated by one person as a passenger in a small helicopter typically available by rental at commercial airports. Real-time measurements are made by suspending the water quality monitoring package with a cable from the hovering helicopter. Designed primarily for use in rapidly assessing hazardous material spills in inland and coastal zone water bodies, the system can survey as many as 20 data stations up to 1.5 kilometers apart in 1 hour. The system provides several channels of sensor data and allows for the addition of future sensors. The system will also collect samples from selected sites with sample collection on command. An EPA Spill Response Team member can easily transport, deploy, and operate the water quality monitoring package to determine the distribution, movement, and concentration of the spilled material in the water body.

Handbook for the development of terrestrial monitoring programs for coal mine reclamation

Abstract: An overview of the need for definitive terrestrial monitoring program in surface coal mining is presented. The discussion emphasizes that although many aspects of air and water monitoring are defined by law, this is not the case in terrestrial monitoring. The use of decision theory in developing environmental monitoring, and the rationale for using DARE in that capacity is presented.