An assessment of marine pollution in Puget Sound

The Marine Ecosystems Analysis (MESA) Puget Sound Project was initiated to determine the existing levels, sources, fates and effects of toxic chemicals in Puget Sound, Washington. An approach was developed to assess the concentrations of a suite of contaminants and to measure a suite of biological parameters known to be responsive to contaminants. Metals, aromatic hydrocarbons and synthetic organics were found throughout the Sound. Highest concentrations were in bays near urban areas, particularly Elliott Bay near Seattle and Commencement Bay near Tacoma. A variety of biological disorders, including liver tumors in flatfish, and benthic community parameters were correlated with elevated contaminant levels. Because of the high contaminant concentrations there, and the high potential for exposure of humans to them, Commencement Bay has been identified by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a high priority toxic dump site in the United States, and remedial action is planned.