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Profiles for three contaminants in a sediment core from lower New Bedford Harbor
One sediment core was taken in lower New Bedford Harbor. The top of the sediment core was lost (* on the graphs), probably during sampling, because the topmost horizontal slice dates to the mid-1970s; the core was taken in 1998. The arrow indicates when the concentration of the contaminant has reached a level that is statistically higher than background level (the naturally occurring concentration). Sediment concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the core became significantly elevated over background concentration in the 1800s, the Whaling Period, although these concentrations were small compared to concentrations in later years. See Fig. 17 for the location of industries during the Whaling Period and location of the core. The metal-related businesses were the most likely sources of copper and lead. Burning of wood, charcoal, and coal, and later oil, by industries was the most likely source of PAHs.
