CMI, UAF

For comparison to OCS development areas, it is important to establish measurements of trace metals and hydrocarbons in sediments of Beaufort Lagoon, located at the eastern margin of the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. The lagoon sediments of the North Slope may be a sink for both organic and inorganic anthropogenic compounds. Sediments may serve as transfer pathways to higher trophic levels.  Environmental accumulation is of particular concern in the Arctic where marine organisms, being lipid rich, with relatively simple and short food chains and low biodiversity, may be especially vulnerable to bioaccumulations.

The primary objective of this study is to estimate the concentrations of 12 metals (V, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, PB, Sn, Ba, Fe and Mn) in the mud fractions (<63 um size) and HG and hydrocarbons in gross sediments of the Beaufort Lagoon that are known to have been exposed to: a) long-term natural oil seepage; b) anthropogenic activities with refined petroleum products input; and c) pristine conditions.  This objective will help to develop criteria for detecting metal and hydrocarbon accumulation resulting from marine and other human activities in the Beaufort Lagoon region as well as elsewhere in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea.

4.   Examine differences between these samples and North Slope samples from an industrialized (Prudhoe Bay/Colville River) and an urbanized (Elson Lagoon near Barrow) region.

This study will increase a baseline of existing sediment conditions along the Alaskan Beaufort Sea for monitoring potential effects of offshore oil and gas activities.  The study will provide information for analyzing the existing conditions in prelease, exploration, and development-related NEPA documents. Findings will increase knowledge of the mechanisms of environmental change.

Field sampling is complete.  Laboratory and statistical analyis is in progress.