ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to document the distribution and abundance of C 15+ hydrocarbons in sediment samples taken from the Hudson River, the New York Harbor, and across the continental shelf to the continental rise. Collection of 35 of these samples took place in 1975–76 using a multiple corer, a bottom grab, or the submersible Alvin. Materials obtained from these areas were considered representative and included dredge spoils, sewage sludge, and sediment from both the Deepwater Dumpsite 106 on the continental rise and the comparatively cleaner sea floor of the continental shelf beyond the apex of the New York Bight.
Total C15+ hydrocarbons are most abundant (3000–6000 parts per million) in areas highly impacted by man—harbor sediments and dredge spoil and sewage sludge disposal areas. Values from the continental shelf are lower (80 ppm) and values from the continental rise are the lowest (40 ppm). Gas chromatographic traces clearly distinguish the hydrocarbons in the dredge spoil and sewage sludge sediment samples from the hydrocarbons found in sediment samples relatively free of sludge or spoil materials.
The marine disposal of sewage sludge and dredge spoil in the waters of the New York Bight
