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Profiles for three contaminants in two sediment cores from upper New Bedford Harbor
In 1996, two sediment cores were taken in upper New Bedford Harbor. The two cores were located fairly close to each other (Fig 19) and were expected to have similar profiles, which they do. The arrow indicates when the concentration of contaminant has reached a level that is statistically higher than background level (the naturally occurring concentration). In the upper harbor, concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) became significantly elevated over background in the early1900s. By this time, textile mills and other industries had been built on the shores of the upper harbor (Fig.19). These industries were the most likely source of the contaminants found in upper harbor sediments. In the lower harbor, concentrations of copper and lead had become significantly elevated about 100 years earlier, and PAHs significantly elevated about 40 years earlier (Fig. 17).
