The Detroit River : effects of contaminants and human activities on aquatic plants and animals and their habitats

Uncontaminated bacteria, plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, and birds were exposed to Detroit river sediments and sediment porewater in 1985 as part of the upper Great Lakes connecting Channels study sponsored by Environment Canada and the U.S. E.P.A. The detrimental effects included generic mutations in bacteria, macroinvertebrate mortalities, accumulation of contaminants in insects, clams, fish, and ducks, and tumour formation in fish. Field surveys identified areas suitable as habitats for a variety of taxa contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals and supporting only worms. Habitats had been reduced by destruction of shoreline wetlands and by sewage and industrial effluent discharges into the Detroit river. The bi-national Great Lakes water quality agreement of 1988 aimed to maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Great Lakes area and to reduce or eliminate the discharge of any or all persistent toxic substances. The draft plan for the Detroit river required monitoring tissue contaminant concentrations in river biota to measure remedial progress, and guidelines for such monitoring were being developed. Restrictions placed on industries and municipalities with regard to wastewater discharge are discussed. There are 66 references.