Evaluation of stormwater as a potential source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

Abstract

A study was implemented to determine whether stormwater from Oscar 1 Pier outfall is a contributing source of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to Decision Unit (DU) N-2, Pearl Harbor Sediment Site, Honolulu, Hawaii USA. Results suggested that PCBs were discharged from the outfall, remained in suspension, and dispersed elsewhere before settling. Stormwater PCBs were characterized by heavier congeners, likely associated with particles. Surface water PCB samples collected throughout DU N-2 exhibited heavier congeners and lighter congeners that are typically associated with the dissolved phase. These lighter congeners could have originated from a different source(s) and/or partitioned from the suspended phase.

Keywords

• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
• Pearl Harbor
• Stormwater
• Plume characterization
• Optically-based monitoring