Monitoring Trace Metals and the Benthic Community Near the Palo Alto Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay, California

This study presents trace metal and benthic community data for an inshore location in South San Francisco Bay. This location lies in the vacinity of the discharge from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant. Trace metal concentrations were observed in sediments and clams. In conjunction with metal analysis, data was collected to evaluate the structure of the benthic community over time. The data generated is used to approach the following objectives: -Provide data to assess seasonal and year-to-year trends in trace element concentrations in sediments and clams in receiving waters near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant. -Present the data within the context of historical changes inshore in South Bay and within the context of other locations in San Francisco Bay published in the international literature. -Coordinate inshore receiving water monitoring programs for Palo Alto and provide data compatible with relevant aspects of the Regional Monitoring Program. -Provide data which support other South San Francisco Bay issues or programs such as development of sediment quality standards.