Remedial effectiveness of a pond biomanipulation: Habitat value and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls in fish

• Published in: Journal of hazardous materials Vol. 461; p. 132587
• Main Authors: Efroymson, Rebecca A., Peterson, Mark J., Jett, R. Trent, Griffiths, Natalie A., Carter, Evin T., Fortner, Allison M., DeRolph, Christopher R., Ku, Peijia, Matson, Paul G., Pilla, Rachel M., Mathews, Teresa J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05-01-2024
• Subjects: Ecomanipulation; Habitat; PCB; Pond; Remediation; Restoration; Habitat; Pond; Remediation; Restoration; PCB; Ecomanipulation
• ISSN: 0304-3894; 1873-3336
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132587

The fish and plant communities in a pond contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in East Tennessee, USA, were manipulated to reduce ecological and human-health risk associated with exposure to the chemical contaminants. We evaluated the success of the remedial action using a habitat valuation approach, as well as measuring PCB concentrations in fish. Risk reduction objectives included: alter the fish community to favor fish that do not resuspend, bioaccumulate, or biomagnify PCBs; stabilize contaminated sediments to improve water quality; and stabilize shoreline soils and enhance riparian habitat. Fish targeted for removal included gizzard shad, largemouth bass, and nonnative carp. Reduced PCB concentrations in fish have characterized the new bluegill-dominated community, although a weir-overtopping event led to the need for additional removals of gizzard shad and largemouth bass. Sunfish abundance is high, as was intended. Moreover, amphibian and waterbird diversities have increased in the years following biomanipulation, possibly owing to improvements in the riparian zone and increased structural (vegetation) complexity in both the aquatic and terrestrial environment. Thus, the remedial action has improved aspects of habitat value, and PCB concentrations in sunfish have dropped below the remediation level (risk-based target value) for this pond (1 µg/g in fish fillets or 2.3 µg/g in whole body fish).
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This paper addresses an uncommon but effective option for remediation of environmental contaminants in aquatic environments, biomanipulation. PCBs have important implications for human health and ecosystems. The paper combines analyses of PCB concentrations, habitat valuation, and water quality metrics, following biomanipulation of a pond. The 10-year study is longer than most published studies of environmental contaminants. The relevance is confirmed through funding from the US Department of Energy’s Environmental Management program, and federal and state regulatory agencies have shown interest in the findings. Biomanipulation is a less expensive and effective remediation alternative, compared to excavation of chemical contaminants.
This paper addresses an uncommon but effective option for remediation of environmental contaminants in aquatic environments, biomanipulation. PCBs have important implications for human health and ecosystems. The paper combines analyses of PCB concentrations, habitat valuation, and water quality metrics, following biomanipulation of a pond. The 10-year study is longer than most published studies of environmental contaminants. The relevance is confirmed through funding from the US Department of Energy’s Environmental Management program, and federal and state regulatory agencies have shown interest in the findings. Biomanipulation is a less expensive and effective remediation alternative, compared to excavation of chemical contaminants.
•An ecological manipulation in a contaminated pond reduced PCB concentrations in fish.•Habitat value metrics were measured over a 15-y period.•The pond transitioned from gizzard shad and largemouth bass dominance to sunfish.•PCB concentrations in bluegill decreased below risk-based targets.•Habitat metrics for most taxa are at least equal to those before biomanipulation.