Biological, chemical, and physical data collected in Delaware Bay from 2 Sep 1997 to 8 Oct 1997 (NODC Accession 0118720)

This study was based on the sediment quality triad (SQT) approach. A stratified probabilistic sampling design was utilized to characterize the Delaware Bay system in terms of chemical contamination, sediment toxicity (Microtox, amphipod bioassay; sea urchin gamete bioassay; and P450 biomarker) and benthic infaunal community structure. The purpose was to define the extent and magnitude of toxicity and other biological effects associated with contaminants in the Delaware estuary system from the fall line to the mouth of the Bay. This file contains data measured in the Delaware Bay Estuary and adjacent waters during 1997. Samples were collected for water and sediment analyses.

Purpose: Specific objectives of the study were to: (1) Describe the levels and spatial distribution of contaminants in the Delaware Bay and adjacent waters; (2) Describe the incidence, severity and spatial extent of contamination, toxicity, and characteristics of the benthic infaunal community; (3) Describe the study results in relation to known or suspected sources of contamination; (4) Describe statistical relationships between levels of contaminants and adverse biological effects, and identify chemicals of concern in terms of regional environmental quality and adverse biological effects; (5) Compare environmental conditions within sub-areas of Delaware Bay and compare estimates of toxicity in Delaware Bay with those in other estuaries based on comparable data.The dataset objective is to report information about chemical residues in sediment, sediment toxicity, and benthic infauna characteristics of the system.