QUARTERLY
REPORT
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
WATER LABORATORY
CORVALLIS, OREGON
APRIL 1-JUNE 30,1969
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
NORTHWEST REGION
-------
PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY REPORT
April 1 through June 30, 1969
United States Department of the Interior-
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Northwest Region, Corvallis, Oregon
July 1969
-------
CONTENTS
Page
OFFICE OF LABORATORY DIRECTOR 1
WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
Paper and Allied Products Research Branch 2
Food Wastes Research Branch 4
Regional Research Studies 8
NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 11
NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 17
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM 26
Physiological Control Branch 27
Ecological Control Branch 30
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM 37
CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM 43
TRAINING & MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT 46
-------
OFFICE OF THE LABORATORY DIRECTOR
In April, Dr. Bartsch attended the 4th International Conference
on Water Pollution Research held in Prague, Czechoslovakia. He also
visited a number of laboratories where water pollution research
directed to eutrophication control is in progress in England, Norway,
Sweden, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland.
Dr. Bartsch appeared as a witness in two FWPCA Interstate Enforce-
ment Conferences. On April 2 in Washington, D. C., he presented a
"Statement on Eutrophication Conditions in the Upper Potomac Estuary"
and on May 13 in Duluth, Minnesota, he presented a "Statement on
Eutrophication in Relation to Lake Superior."
Dr. Bartsch participated in a three-day seminar "New Horizons
in Environmental Health Biology" held in Hawaii, which was a part of
the Program of Continuing Education in Public Health sponsored by the
University of California, the University of Hawaii, Loma Linda Univer-
sity, and the Western Regional Office of the American Public Health
Association.
-------
WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
9841/1204, 1206, 1210, 1301, 0969-208/11-12
PAPER AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RESEARCH BRANCH - 9841/1204
Status of Activities & Significant Accomplishments
Polymers In Waste Treatment
The laboratory study phase of this project has been terminated and
the final report is being prepared. Field studies to evaluate engineer-
ing problems connected with the application of polymers will be dependent
on final conclusions developed from the laboratory study.
Nutrients in Waste Treatment
A laboratory study is underway to determine optimum nutrient levels
for biological treatment of pulp mill waste. This work is a cooperative
study with Crown-Zellerbach Corporation which has a FWPCA demonstration
grant on secondary treatment of pulp mill waste.
Additional Assignments - 9841/1210, 1301
Additional project area responsibility involving PPB 1210 - Lumber
and Wood Products, and PPB 1301 - Forestry and Logging, were assigned
to the Paper and Allied Products staff during this quarter. No added
funds or personnel were allotted for the remainder of FY 1969 but will
be for FY 1970.
Grant and Contract Research Studies
Monitoring and review of Research and Demonstration Grants under
Section 5 and 6 continued to occupy the vast majority of available
-------
3
manpower in the Paper & Allied Products Branch. All projects listed in
the second quarterly report are yet active. Those reaching a termina-
tion stage are:
1. Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Longmont, Colorado,
WPRD 43-01-67.
2. Robertson Pulp and Paper Laboratory, Raleigh, North Carolina,
WPRD 115-01-68.
3. Georgia Kraft Company, Rome, Georgia, WPRD 117-01-68.
Additional projects assigned during the quarter are as follows:
1. Department of Forestry, University of Washington,
WP 01166-02
2. Department of Civil Engineering, Oregon State University,
12040-EBY.
3. University of Washington, WP 01305-01.
4. Montana State University, 12040-DBD.
5. Klamath Plywood, WPRD 174-01-(Rl)-68.
6. Department of Civil Engineering, Oregon State University,
WP 01320-02.
Reports and Papers
An interim progress report from the Mead Corporation R&D project,
12040-EMY, was published by the project. FWPCA distribution was
directed to agency and industry people concerned with this area of
work.
-------
4
Facilities and Equipment
A Beloit-Passavant Mlcrosieve pilot unit was purchased for in-house
field work and industry use to determine application of this equipment
in the pulp and paper industry. It is contemplated such equipment will
also see use in the Food Wastes Research Branch.
Plans for 1st Quarter. FY 1970
Because of limitations on staff and financial resources, and
emphasis on research and demonstration grants, most of the available
staff time is expected to be devoted to the review, monitoring, and
administration of assigned grant projects in the PPB 1204, 1210, and 1301
areas.
A program of in-house field application and industry use of the
Beloit-Passavant Microsieve pilot unit will be developed. Again,
in-house work will be supported and dependent on borrowed personnel at
a time such help is available.
FOOD WASTES RESEARCH BRANCH - 9841/1206
Status of Activities & Significant Accomplishments
The draft of the final report on secondary treatment of potato
processing wastes was reviewed by the Regional Office and by Head-
quarters.
Many equipment demonstrations and grantees were visited during
the quarter.
-------
5
Two one-liter per day anaerobic trickling filter pilot plants were
started. Following an acclimation period they will be fed wastes from
corn and bean processing.
Grant and Contract Research Status
Grant preproposals and proposals related to the following subjects
were reviewed:
1. Treatment of potato processing wastes using the anaerobic con-
tact process.
2. Aerobic treatment of cereal plant wastes.
3. Evaluation of Santa Clara county fruit cannery wastes as a
raw material for fermentation processes and/or an animal
feed or animal feed supplement.
4. Development of the most practical and economical method of
disposing of waste material from seafood processing plants.
5. Demonstrate the economic and engineering feasibility of the
forteous system to process solid waste material from fruit
and vegetable processing.
6. Process upgrading and utilization of potato solid wastes as
fertilizer.
7. Extended aeration treatment of dairy plant wastes.
8. Reduction of salt content of food processing liquid waste
effluent.
-------
6
9. Pilot plant installation for use of Fungi Imperfect! on
vegetable wastes.
10. Demonstration of a process for economically converting sea
food waste to by-products.
11. Waste Brewer's Yeast, a potential indicator organism for
establishing the geographical boundaries of a sewage field.
12. State of the art of dairy plant wastes and waste treatment
systems.
13. Full-scale demonstration and evaluation of potato dry and
wet caustic peeling processes -
14. Evaluation of controlled temperature and forced aeration in
trickling filter treatment of food canning waste waters.
Grants assigned (project officer) to the Food Wastes Research
Branch and their status follow:
1. "Cannery Waste Treatment by Lagoons and Oxidation Ditch,"
Melbourne Water Science Institute," Melbourne, Victoria,
Australia (WPD 211-02-68).
The second year of pilot plant (two 10-acre anaerobic lagoons
and two 120-ft. oxidation ditches) operation was initiated in April.
2. "Status and Research Needs for Potato Waste Waters," University
of Washington, Seattle (WP 01486-01-68).
Work is still continuing on the first draft of the report covering
the literature search.
-------
3. "State of Art, Sugar Beet Processing Waste Treatment," Beet
Sugar Development Foundation, Fort Collins, Colorado (12060 OS I)
Literature search is now under way. Grant had a starting date of
April 1, 1969.
4. "Water Pollution Abatement in the United States Seafoods
Industry: The State of the Art," Oregon State University,
Corvallis (12060 ECF).
Literature review just initiated since it had an effective date of
June 1, 1969.
5. "Anaerobic-Aerobic Sugar Beet Waste Treatment," Beet Sugar
Development Foundation, Tracy, California (WPD 93-04-68).
Data is being analyzed and first draft of the final report is
being written.
6. "Complete Aerobic Treatment of Combined Domestic and
Industrial Wastes with Mechanical Aeration," City of Dallas,
Oregon, (WPRD 29-01-68).
Construction of facilities is nearing completion. Startup is
scheduled for July 7, 1969.
7. "Aeration of Fruit Processing Wastes," Snokist Growers,
Yakima, Washington (WPRD 58-01-68).
A draft of the final report is being reviewed by FWPCA.
-------
8
8. "Aerobic Secondary Treatment of Potato Processing Wastes with
Mechanical Aeration," R. T. French Co., Shelley, Idaho,
(WPRD 15-01-67).
About four weeks of additional construction will be required to
complete the facility.
Areas of Concern
it
Continued backlog in paperwork related to both ongoing grants and
new applications for grants results from a lack of adequate manpower
for this program.
Plans for 1st Quarter, FY 1970
i
Continue work on ongoing grants and new applications and initiate
pilot plant sutides on treatment of vegetable processing wastes.
REGIONAL RESEARCH STUDIES (In previous quarterly reports this section
was referred to as "Special Studies Branch.")
Status of Activities & Significant Accomplishments
Waste Treatment at Recreational Areas - 0969r.208-ll
A draft of a working paper on Evaluation of Extended Aeration
Treatment at Recreation Areas has been prepared and distributed for
preliminary review.
Analysis of data from the surveys of summer recreation areas is
nearly completed and analysis of the bench-scale pilot plants has
begun.
-------
9
The pilot plant at Philomath, Oregon, which has been used the last
9 months to study the treatment of dories tic wastes under conditions simu-
lating those at some recreational sitos whero severe fluctuation of
waste quantity and quality occurs, w"il be shut down early in July for
release to the Food Processing Waste Sect!on.
Log Handling and Storage.- 0969-208-12
j
The scope of the Log Handling and Storage Project has been revised
to avoid duplication of work being done under a FWPCA research grant
at Oregon State University, since the work at OSU is covering a larger
area than originally proposed. Characterization of wastes from log
ponds and sprinkling of cold decks will be done by OSU rather than
PNWL, and the study of steam vat wastes was deleted from the project
objectives as it was covered in another project. Consideration is
being given to having OSU, rather than PNWL, conduct a survey of log
storage facilities in the Pacific Northwest. All study sites for the
biological effects aspect of the project have been selected.
Animal Feed Lot Waste Disposal (This is a new project strongly desired
by the states of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana.)
Work is now underway to develop a project proposal. Meetings
with the Sanitary Authorities of Washington and Oregon have been con-
ducted to determine their desires with respect to this subject.
Reports and Papers
The final report for the Plywood Glue Waste Study, entitled
"Plywood Plant Glue Waste Disposal," has been published and distri-
buted.
-------
10
The final report on the aerated lagoon treatment of food process-
Ing waste has been reviewed and is now in '.:he process of being prepared
for publication.
Plans for 1st Quarter, FY 1970
Aerated Lagoon Treatment of Food Processing Wastes
The final report for this project should be published and the
project closed.
Waste Treatment at Recreational Areas..- 0969-208-11
Analysis of data from the summer surveys, bench-scale pilot plants
and the Philomath pilot plant will constitute virtually 100 percent of
the activity in this project.
Log Handling and Storage - 0969-208-12
Sampling for the biological effects aspect will be completed, as
will the review of literature concerning economic factors affecting
log handling and storage practices.
Animal Feed Lot Waste Disposal
Meetings to assist in the preparation of the project proposal will
be held with regulatory agencies of Idaho and Montana. Visits are
being planned to other regional offices and other state agencies to
acquire information already developed and to coordinate activities with
the research program of the Ada Laboratory.
-------
NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM
9841/1613
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Consultation and Advisory Services
The seventh and final Technical Seminar on Thermal Pollution was
held April 10-11, 1969 in the Southwest Region, San Francisco, California.
Upon completion of the seminars, a digest of research needs in thermal
pollution control, as expressed by seminar participants from a wide
variety of scientific disciplines and professional backgrounds, was
prepared by NTPRP.
Assistance was provided the South Central Region during April on
(1) estimates of natural and mechanical draft cooling tower require-
ments with a brief discussion of costs; (2) pertinent facts relative
to dispersion of heat; and (3) comments on the report of the hydraulic
model investigations conducted by Bechtel.
During May information was provided the Duluth Laboratory in the
form of comments by Dr. Tichenor on experimental ponds proposed for
Monticello, Minnesota.
Dr. Garton represented NTPRP at a committee meeting at Oregon
State University on May 26 on "Beneficial Use of Cooling Water in
Aquaculture," to discuss likely areas of research on beneficial effects
of thermal power plant waste water.
-------
12
In June technical assistance was provided the Ohio Basin Region in
compiling information on costs associated with cooling condenser dis-
charge water, and the problem of stream temperature prediction.
We reviewed non-federal testimony presented at the public hearings
on New York Water Quality Standards at the request of the Acting Director,
Water Quality Standards staff.
At the request of the Acting Assistant Commissioner for R&D,
comments were made on a "Draft of the Department of Interior's Position
on Thermal Discharges from Steam Electric Power Generating Facilities."
An evaluation of PGE's Trojan Plant plans was provided the North-
west Region, FWPCA.
Sources of Heat Input to Water
Progress was made in the simulation of the field set-up and testing
on instrumentation to be used in this summer's field study on covered
cooling ponds and stream evaporation. A site on the Little Deschutes
River of Central Oregon was selected for the study which is scheduled
to begin July 21, 1969.
Larry Winiarski and Ken Byram have a transient time-temperature
program running on the teletype for use in thermal studies.
Effects of Heat Management on the Environment
Laboratory facilities were set-up to study effects of a hot water
lens on the emergence of aquatic insects. The purpose of this study
is to determine whether hot effluents to water surfaces will be harmful
-------
13
to an Insect population when the hot water is floated on cool water
and insects contact this hot layer only during emergence.
Effects of Temperature on Fresh and Marine Fish Species
See Biological Effects Research Program Report, page 37
Engineering and Cost Aspects of Heat Dissipation
"A Mathematical Model of Natural Draft Cooling Tower Performance,"
a paper by Larry Winiarski and Bruce Tichenor, was approved for pre-
sentation at the ASCE Sanitary Engineering Division's Second National
Symposium on Sanitary Engineering Research, Development and design,
Cornell University, July 16, 1969.
Local Meteorological Effects of Cooling Towers
The report, "Cooling Towers and Weather," by Fred Decker, Associate
Professor of Physics, OSU, was distributed to all the Regions and to
Headquarters.
Design Criteria for Heat Discharge Outfalls
The USGS endorsed cooperative research with NTPRP at the Fluid
Dynamics Laboratory at Colorado State University on turbulence diffusion.
Plans were finalized for instrumenting a modest laboratory for
fluid dynamics research at Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory.
General
Dr. Garton attended the Richland, Washington meeting of the
Columbia River Thermal Effects Advisory Committee, April 23-24, 1969.
-------
14
Mr. Rainwater participated in a seminar on criteria for aquatic
life held jointly by the Office of Operations and the Office of R&D,
Headquarters, April 29, 30.
Mr. Rainwater also attended the bi-annual meeting of the Cooling
Tower Institute in Washington, D. C., June 16-18, 1969.
Grants and Contracts
Awarded - Fourth Quarter
1. Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, "Research on the Physical
Aspects of Thermal Pollution," awarded 4/10/69.
2. Littleton Research Corporation, "Proposal for an Economic-
Engineering Study of Cooling Ponds," awarded 4/16/69.
3. Cornell University, "Heat and Water Vapor Exchange between
Water Surface and Atmosphere," awarded 5/22/69.
4. E. Boll ay and Associates, EG&G, "Theoretical Evaluation and
Development of Criteria to Determine Inadvertent Weather
Modification in the Vicinity of Cooling Towers," awarded
5/28/69.
5. Tetra Tech, "Studies on the Effects of Waste Heat Discharge
from Nuclear Power Plants into large Bodies of Receiving
Water," awarded 6/25/69.
Technical reviews of formal proposals for research grants,
demonstration grants, and contracts were provided for the following
subject matters:
1. Thermal Pollution of Waterways
-------
15
2. Non-Evaporative Cooling Towers
3. The Dissipation of Waste Heat Through Discharge into Under-
ground Water Strata
4. Flow and Dispersion of Warm Water Discharged into Lakes and
Ri vers
5. Feasibility of Controlling Thermal Pollution by Underground
Injection
6. Utilization of Thermal Effluents for Agricultural Uses
7. Sale of Steam as Thermal Pollution Control Measure and
Revenue Producer for Central Power Stations
8. Thermal-Water Horticultural Demonstration Project
9. Request for Co-Funded Research Contract to Investigate the
Beneficial Uses of Heated Discharges
10. A Development of Improved Techniques for Micro-Modeling
of Temperature Distribution in the Vicinity of Heated Outfalls
11. Thermal Pollution Model Development
12. A Proposed Study of Thermal Plume Diffusion in the Great Lakes
13. Demonstration of Multispectral Sensing for Assessment of Water
Quality
14. A Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of Mass and
Energy Transfer in Film Flows
15. Field Measurements to Assess Possible Inadvertent Climate
Modifications
16. Turbulent Bed Cooling Tower
-------
16
17. Studies in Pollution Biochemistry
18. A Proposed Study of Thermal Plume Diffusion in the Great Lakes
In addition to the above, 9 preliminary grant and contract research
proposals were reviewed.
Areas of Concern
None, except need for additional engineering personnel.
Reports and Papers
Dr. Shirazi gave a talk on "Thermal Pollution of Water Resources"
at the Environmental Health Engineering Seminar at Washington State
University, Pullman, Washington, May 1.
Dr. Garton presented a seminar-lecture on thermal pollution at
Colorado State University, presenting a general view of causes and
effects of thermal pollution and a description of the purpose and
activities of the National Thermal Pollution Research Program, June 17,
1969.
Plans for the 1st Quarter, FY 1970
Concentrate efforts on intramural research at Pacific Northwest
Water Laboratory and Colorado State University, as described above.
Instrument lab facilities for fluid dynamics research at PNWL.
-------
NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM
9841/1607
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY BRANCH
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Biological Assessment
A training course, "Quantitative Evaluation of Biological Infor-
mation Obtained in Coastal Waters," was held at the Pacific Northwest
Water Laboratory, April 22-23. Drs. Saul Saila, University of Rhode
Island; Henry Regier, University of Toronto; Howard Sanders, Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institute; and John McGowan, Scripps Institution
of Oceanography, served as lecturers for the course. Thirty-five
representatives from coastal regions of FWPCA, local personnel, and
Oregon State University Statistics and Oceanography Departments
attended.
The objectives of the training course were, first, to instruct
senior scientific investigators from our technical investigations
program in available methods for conducting marine biological investi-
gations related to pollution control activities; and, second, to provide
a framework for the research program participants involved in continued
efforts to improve the state of the art on this topic.
Atmospheric Reaeration and Excess Nitrogen Transfer in Polluted
Estuaries
Three field releases of dye as a tracer were accomplished, one
with radionuclides. An apparatus was constructed, installed, and
-------
18
operated to dose and obtain samples, operable at various depths with a
considerable degree of automation. It will handle various Inputs and
sample taking.
Plans have been made with the South Central Regional Office, the
Ada Laboratory, and our program for a cooperative study of reaeratlon In
Galveston Bay, planned for August-September of this year. A proposal
and equipment outline was sent to the South Central Regional Office.
Analysis of Dredge Spoils and Other Solids Disposal Practices In the
Ocean
In May successful field studies were conducted in Bellingham Bay
to test the in situ benthic respirometer, in cooperation with Dr. Berg
of Seattle University.
NAS-NAE State of the Art Report
The National Academy of Sciences-National Academy of Engineering,
Washington, 0. C., is under contract to FWPCA to prepare a state of the
art report on management of wastes in the coastal environment. In
preparation for the meeting of working groups to be held in Jackson
Hole, Wyoming, July 7 - 12, the NCPRP coordinated information requested
and received from the Water Pollution Surveillance Branch and each
coastal Regional Office concerning projects now underway and problems
which require attention.
-------
19
PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY BRANCH
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Columbia River Estuary Temperature Model
Topographic channel data and tributary flow information of the
lower 28 miles of the Columbia was completed and recorded on key punch
cards. By virtue of the salt content in the lower river, this section
constitutes the 'estuary' proper.
Boston Harbor Model
Mr. Dan Fitzgerald of the Northeast Regional Office was provided
with program listing, deck and copies of background material on the
Water Resources Engineers model. The main features of the model were
pointed out to him with the possible application of the model to Boston
Harbor in mind.
Estuarine Diffusion of Pollutants
In May 1969 a contract was awarded to TRACOR, Sciences and Systems
Division, Austin, Texas, for the purpose of organizing the technical
sessions and completing a report on the relative merits and limitations
of digital, analog-electronic, hybrid, and hydraulic models injestuarine
pollution problems. The award was made on the basis of reviews by
FWPCA officials of 19 proposals in response to an invitation for bids
advertisement.
The first technical session, June 24, St. John's College,
Annapolis, Maryland, was designed primarily to familiarize chapter
-------
20
authors and reviewers with all FWPCA estuarine problems and the model-
ing methods employed in their solution, and to reach agreement on chapter
content. Seventeen FWPCA representatives attended this session and pre-
sented summaries of modeling needs in each of their regions.
The arrangement of the six chapters and suggested authors is as
follows:
I. Introduction - FWPCA.
II. Hydrodynamic Models - Dr. Prttchard, Johns Hopkins;
Dr. Harleman, MIT.
III. Physical Hydraulic Models - Dr. Harleman.
IV. Water Quality Models - Drs. O'Connor and Thomann,
Manhattan College; Dr. Orlob, WRE, California.
V. Solution Technique - Dr. Harder, U. of California;
Dr. Orlob.
VI. Case Studies - TRACOR.
Reviewing chapterpcontent will be Drs. Paulik, Dobbins, Rattray,
Ippen, Masch, and Keulegan.
The next technical meeting will be in approximately three months,
possibly in Dallas, Texas, following the Water Pollution Control
Federation meeting. Final review of the chapters will be made then.
Site Selection for Waste Discharges in Pacific Northwest Coastal Waters
A grant was awarded to the Oceanography Department, OSU, to
evaluate the state of knowledge of the nearshore coastal waters from
Cape Mendocino, California, to Cape Flattery, Washington, excluding
-------
21
the coastal estuaries. The evaluation will be directed to the consequences
of siting waste discharges, particularly thermal loads from electric
power plants. Regions possessing unusual sensitivity and characteristics
for possible exploitation (such as rips, rapid mixing, or low water use
potential) will be identified.
The geographical limits of the study were established to provide
coverage as broad as possible after consideration of similar oceano-
graphic features of the West Coast and the capabilities of the univer-
sity. The study may delineate smaller regions of similarity within
this stretch of approximately 400 miles.
Deficiencies in the state of knowledge, especially for predicting
the effects of waste discharges, will be identified for subsequent
research attention.
The results of the study are expected to be immediately useful
to the planning and control activities of the states of Oregon,
Washington, and the Northwest Region of the FWPCA.
Other Activities
Chief, Physical Oceanography Branch, attended a symposium of
the Scientific Advisory Committee - National Data Buoy System, at the
U. S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Connecticut, in May. The
meeting was arranged to discuss various government and nongovernment
opinions on what kinds of data should be obtained at each buoy location,
-------
22
the frequency of sampling, location of buoy networks, number of buoys,
etc. Statements of FWPCA interests were submitted to the committee
and included in their draft report.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Ocean Outfalls
The draft of "Part I: Literature Review and Theoretical Develop-
ment" for the report, "Design of Ocean Outfalls" has been completed
and forwarded to experts in this field for technical review. This
report will be published in two parts.
Lake Superior Pollution
A technical analysis and a brief laboratory model study in con-
junction with OSU were conducted to determine the fate of solids
discharged to Lake Superior by Reserve Mining Company near Silver Bay,
Minnesota. It has been postulated that after the waste leaves the
delta, it flows as a density current to the bottom of Lake Superior.
From our studies it was concluded that the discharge most likely
results in an unstable density flow which spreads out and becomes
diluted as it flows down the face of the delta, shedding clouds of
finely-divided particulate matter. The results of these studies were
presented by the Chief, NCPRP, at the Lake Superior Enforcement
Conference held May 12, Duluth, Minnesota.
-------
23
Design of Barge Disposal Systems
A research and development program is in preparation for the
control of pollution from barge dumping, and work has started on the
preparation of a state of the art report. Emphasis in this report
will be placed on the magnitude of the problems, methods for describing
the fate and distribution of barge dumped wastes, recommended evaluation
and control procedures, and areas of needed research.
Grant and Contract Research
Technical reviews were provided on applications and proposals for
research grants and contracts related to the following subjects:
1. An Industrial Waste-line System
2. Collection and Analysis of all Geophysical and Oil Pollution
Data Associated with the Santa Barbara Oil Spill - 16070 ECE
3. A Membrane Salinometer for Monitoring Estuaries - 16020 DXT
4. Studies on Wind-driven Circulations off the Coast of Cali-
fornia, Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes - 16070 ECR
5. Study of the Dredging Effects on Marine Ecology.
6. Preliminary Proposal to Develop Techniques for Predicting
the Dispersion of Oil at Sea.
7. Dispersion in Hydrologic and Coastal Environments - 16070 DGY
8. Investigation of Microlayer Collection for Pollution Measure-
ment - 16020 ELV
-------
24
9. The Development of Methodologies for Planning for the Optimum
Use of the Marine Resources of the Coastal Zone - 16070 ENB
10. Mathematical Model Development for Coliform Reduction in
Shallow Bays and Estuaries - 16070 EBM
11. Proposal for Precision In Situ Sea Water Densitometer -
16020 EMK
12. Waste Brewer's Yeast, a Potential Indicator Organism for
Establishing the Geographical Boundaries of a Sewage Field
- 16030 EML
13. Preproposal for Mathematical Modeling of Barge Disposal of
Concentrated Liquid Wastes
14. Baseline Water Quality Study of the Alaskan Arctic Estuarine
Environment - 18070 E0M
Equipment
A purchase order has been awarded to Geodyne to provide a
magnetic tape data acquisition system consisting of current speed and
direction, temperature, salinity, and pressure, plus a string of ST
probes. The instrument package may be operated as a ship mounted
survey system or as an anchored monitoring station.
Plans for 1st Quarter. FY 1970
CHEMICAL/BIOLOGICAL OCEANOGRAPHY BRANCH
Atmospheric Reaeration
Further runs on tracer measurement of reaeration rates in
Yaquina estuary are planned; it is desired that the entire procedure
-------
25
be simplified and routim"zed so that subsequent runs can easily be
arranged, The set of measurements will be greatly simplified if an
in situ radioactivity detector now in planning state can be developed.
The next estuary to be examined for this basic parameter is the
Galveston Bay system. Conversations are being held with the South-
west Region personnel planning a cooperative project for this purpose.
PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY BRANCH
Columbia River Temperature Model
The lower estuary model will be run against U. S. Corps of
Engineers data to verify tide height and mean velocity data. The first
draft of the users' manual will be completed.
Estuarine Diffusion of Pollutants
Internal review of completed portions of the state of the art
report will be made.
PROBLEM ANALYSIS AND ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT BRANCH
Design of Barge Disposal Systems
In-house experimentation and the state of the art report will be
started.
Ocean Outfall Design
Reviews will be received and changes incorporated into the draft
report, "Design of Ocean Outfalls - Part I." A final copy will be
completed and submitted for clearance, Work will continue on Part II;
a first draft, will be written.
-------
NATIONAL EUTROPIIICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
9841/1601 and 9884/000
General
A Provisional Algal Assay Procedure Evaluation Conference was
held at the Robert A. Taft Water Research Center in Cincinnati, Ohio,
on May 5-6. The conference was attended by Dr. Bartsch, Mr. Maloney
and Mr. Miller from the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory. Other
attendees included representatives from the three universities involved
in the evaluation of the PAAP under the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration research grants, various industries, and other government
installations.
Dr. Bartsch served as the United States representative at the
second Expert Meeting on Lake and Reservoir Management (Eutrophication)
under the auspices of the OECDS in Paris, France.
Dr. Knittel attended the annual meeting of the American Society
of Microbiologists held in Miami, Florida.
Mr. Maloney visited various laboratories in Europe June 15-18 to
discuss eutrophication problems and algal assay procedures.
Dr. Bartsch attended a meeting of the Joint Industry/Government
Task Force on Eutrophication held in Washington, D. C.
Dr. Bartsch and NERP staff members participated in the Eutrophi-
cation-Biostimulation Assessment Workshop held at Berkeley, California,
June 19-21.
-------
27
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL BRANCH
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplii-hnents
Algal Assay Procedures Section
The evaluation of Selenastrum capricornutum as a test organism In
algal assay procedures, both batch and continuous-flow, has continued.
While no difficulties have been encountered in the ULe of the organism
in the "bottle test", attempts to maintain a continuous-flow culture
of this alga have been unsuccessful. The chief problem appears to be
bacterial growth within the system. To minimize this, the influent
and effluent sample bottles will be refrigerated to 4°C. Other chemostat
modifications, adopted at the PAAP Evaluation Conference have been
incorporated into our continuous-flow culture systems.
Studies were continued to evaluate methods for measuring algal
biomass in cultures of S.capricornutum. Excellent correlation has
been found between fluororneter (chlorophyll )
-------
28
Aquatic Plant Control Section
Approximately 150 cultures o* bacteria were isolated from water of
ponds and lakes in the area, and screened for algiciclal or algistatic
activity against the two blue-green algan, Anabaena flos-aquae and
Microcystis aeruginosa. Fifteen of the bacterial isolates exhibited
some anti-algal activity to one or both uf the algae The primary
screening consisted of a spot plate technique. The active bacterial
cultures have been purified and some limited morphological data obtained.
Most species are gram negative rod-shaped and one species is a gram
positive spore-forming rod.
Physiology Section
Experiments were continued to define the nitrogen and phosphorus
requirement for the growth of £. cajTricpj'7UJtum_. This is being done in
order that a culture medium can be devised which will minimize endogenous
carry over of these nutrients in algal colls being used as inocula in
assay studies. Cultures were grown in medium containing growth-limiting
concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus, and in medium containing
nitrogen in concentrations ranging -rom n to 14.0 rig/a, and in phosphoru?
concentrations ranging from 0 to 0.62 nig/'A. Preliminary results showed
that the best growth occurred at 3.5 mg M/& and 0.1 ng P/£.
Grant and Contract Research
Research grants have been awarded to the University of California,
Berkeley; tho University of North Carolina; and the University of
Wisconsin, Madison, for evaluation of tho Provisional Algal Assay
-------
29
Procedure. The general objective of this research will be to evaluate
the continuous culture method as a means of assessing algal growth
kinetics in different waters In comparison with the batch culture
technique. Determination of the validity of the kinetic model in
explaining the obtained results will be part of this evaluation.
Technical reviews of preproposals and proposals for research
grants, demonstration grants, and contracts were provided for the
following subjects:
1. Nutrient Sources for Algae and their Control.
2. Effect of Phosphorus Removal Processes on Algal Growth.
3. Viral and Bacterial Pathogens as Microbial Algicides.
4. Organic and Inorganic Nitrogen in the Growth of Algal Blooms.
5. Phosphate Adsorption and Utilization by Algae-A Comparative
Study.
6. Texas Soil Algae.
7. Isolation and Characterization of Viruses to Nuisance
Algae.
8. Algae as Biological Indicators of Thermal Pollution.
9. Eutrophication in Coastal Waters; Nitrogen as a Controlling
Factor.
10. Some Aspects of Microcrustacean Phosphate Metabolism.
11. Viral Infections of Blue-Green Algae, Practical and
Theoretical Aspects.
-------
30
12. Study of the Physiological and Ecological Facts which Control
the Mass Development of Blue-Green Algae as a Contribution
to their Control in Nature.
Plans for 1st Quarter - FY 1970
The evaluation of £. capricornutum as a test species for both batch
and continuous-flow assays will continue. Algal assays will continue to
determine the biostinflatory effects of water samples and sewage effluents
in connection with the Shagawa Lake Eutrophication Control Project. Algal
assays will also be carried out on water samples from lakes representing
various trophic levels ranging from oligotrophic to eutrophic. The use of
ventilation, as opposed to aeration, in continuous-flow culture will be
evaluated.
Screening of bacterial cultures for anti-algal activity will continue
and an attempt made to quantitate anti-algal activity. A search for
blue-green algal viruses will be initiated.
Studies will be conducted to determine the optimum N to P ratios
for minimization of nutrient carryover in the PAAP algal test species.
ECOLOGICAL CONTROL BRANCH
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Nutrient Control Section
The field study to investigate the effect of hypolimnetic aeration
and destratification on nutrient availability and algae production has
continued through the second quarter on Cline's Pond. Background data
-------
31
obtained prior to Inducement of turnover confirmed the existence of
severe thermal and chemical stratification. Plastic barriers were then
erected, partitioning the pond into an experimental section and a
control section. Bubbling of air through the experimental section
completely eliminated existing thermal and chemical stratification.
Leakage at the bottom of the partitions, however, permitted partial
turnover of the control section. This problem appears to have been
solved by staking the plastic firmly to the bottom at close intervals.
The entire pond was permitted to return to a natural stratified
equilibrium, and aeration was resumed. The partitions appear to have
achieved an effective seal, and it is believed that the experiment
will now proceed satisfactorily.
The Waldo Lake study was scheduled to begin in July (the earliest
time that access was possible) and as of the first week in July the
first chemical-biological survey has been successfully completed.
These data will appear in the first quarterly progress report of
FY 1970.
The project to study nutrient content of precipitation is
presently concerned with an effort to obtain a non-contaminating
rainfall collector. A satisfactory model appears to have been developed
in Canada at the Hamilton Great Lakes Laboratory; possibilities of
obtaining or fabricating a similar device are good.
-------
32
Analytical data for she Detroit Laker, study havft been forwarded
to this laboratory, and tabulated and graphed for progress review. The
field soil lysimeter operation was terminated because the soil attained
capacity fixation for phosphates. Lake Sall'e sediment samples con-
tinue to be forwarded to the Pacific Northwest Hater Laboratory for
nutrient analysis. Experiments for monitoring nutrient uptake by
aquatic plants have been initiated and are continuing.
Sediment-Water Interchange Section
A contract for supply of six 20-foot circular experimental pools
to be used in field experiments on elimination of «;edimeir:-water
nutrient interchange was awarded. These pools v/ill he fabricated
with nylon reinforced polyvinylch>oride. It is anticipated that one
pool will be in place in Upper Klamath Lake somofime in July.. Labora-
tory experiments on inhibition of nutrient interchange showed that
addition of aluminum (as Boliden pellets) or lanthanum to Upper
Klamath Lake water significantly reduced orthophosphate concentration
and algal (Selenastrum) growth, regardless of whether thu water was
underlain by sediment. However, Oscillatoria eventually proliferated
on the bottoms of the aquaria, particularly in those containing sedi-
ment. This occurred in aquaria which had been J:reated with aluminum
as well as those which had been treated with lanthanum, ~:n spite of
the thick mat of hydrous metal oxide which had been precipated. In
fact, growth of Oscillatoria v/as much heavier in the alum nun-treated
aquaria. Large gas bubbles eventually formed and mar.ses of Oscillatoria
-------
33
rose to the surface in much the same manner as had been observed in
Upper Klamath Lake. These experiments confirm previous beaker experi-
ments which showed that aluminum did not prevent algal growth, and that
lanthanum was somewhat more effective as an inhibitor. A further
disadvantage of flocculated aluminum hydroxide is the extreme ease
with which it can become resuspended.
Significant seasonal changes in the chemistry of interstitial
water from Upper Klamath Lake sediments are being observed. There
was a steady decrease in most nutrients from April until early June,
followed by an increase toward the end of June. A like pattern was
found last year.
Planning for full-scale lake restoration projects has resulted
in the development of criteria for use in the selection of lakes for
dredging or treatment experiments. Preliminary contacts are being
made, primarily in the midwest, in an effort to locate suitable
experimental lakes.
Shagawa Lake Project
A modified design for in-lake basin experiments was worked out
during this quarter. Three sizes of basins are being utilized - 150,000
gallon, 100 gallon, and 8 gallon. Experiments were initiated in
June. Algal production and nutrient cycles in mixtures of Burntside
River water (the principal inflow to Shagawa Lake) with secondary
and tertiary effluent are being observed in the two smaller size
-------
34
scale experiments, and the effects of enrichment and/or dilution of
Shagawa Lake water with those effluents are being studied in the large
basins.
An autoanalyzer for the Shagawa Lake project laboratory was
fabricated from components lent by PNUL. The instrument will be
operational in July.
PAAP laboratory tests are being conducted by PNWL and Proctor
& Gamble laboratories on mixtures similar to those being utilized in
the in-lake basin experiments.
Grant and Contract Research
Technical reviews of preproposals and proposals for research
grants, demonstration grants, and contracts were provided for the
following subjects:
1. Phosphorus in Aquatic Ecosystems, Model Experiments.
2. Sediment-Water-Bacteria Interaction in Eutrophication.
3. The Role of Sludge Worms in Promoting Eutrophication
4. Application of Clay Minerals to Control the Algal Nutrient
Content in Fresh Water Lakes and Ponds.
5. Isotopic Composition of Lake Michigan Sulfur as a Tool for
Studying Potential Eutrophication.
6. Use of Lake Sediment Cores to Estimate Eutrophication.
7. Algae Control in Eutrophying Lakes.
8. Harvesting Algae from a Lake - Feasibility Study.
9. Effect of Phosphorus Removal Processes on Algal Growth.
-------
35
10. Silt Removal from a Lake Bottom.
11. Inshore and Offshore Differences in Nutrients and Plankton
and their Significance to Eutrophication of Lake Michigan.
12. Seasonal Change in Species-Diversity and Biomass of Phyto-
plankton, Zooplankton, Benthos, and Fishes in Lake Wingra,
and the Productivity of Index of this Lake.
13. Artificial Aeration of Lakes.
14. Ostracodes as a Tool in Interpretation of Ecologic Evolution
of Lakes.
15. Photosynthesis Rates and Productivity of Aquatic Weeds.
16. Limnology of Lake Tahoe Emphasizing Water Quality.
17. Nutrient Control Project.
Reports and Papers
A paper by A. F. Bartsch and C. F. Powers entitled "Changes in
the Great Lakes and Present Status" was presented by Dr. Powers at the
American Chemical Society meeting at Minneapolis, Minnesota.
At the Eutrophication Biostimulation Workshop, Berkeley, Cali-
fornia, Mr. Gahler presented a paper entitled "Sediment-Water Nutrient
Interchange" and Dr. Powers presented one entitled "Shagawa Lake
Project."
Areas of Concern
The gaging structure at the outlet of Waldo Lake has not been
installed.
-------
36
Various problems have been hampering processing of chemical samples
at Shagawa Lake, although the situation now appears more optimistic with
the prospect of an automatic analyzer achieving working status. The
most recent problem at Ely is the accidental spillage of 500 to 1000
gallons of fuel oil into the municipal sewage system. Experiments are
curtailed until the city plant can be completely cleaned, probably
resulting in a loss to us of about one week. None of our equipment
was contaminated.
Plans for 1st Quarter. FY 1970
In Nutrient Control the destratification experiments at Cline's
Pond will continue. Waldo Lake will be surveyed once each month.
Laboratory experiments on nutrient transport through a thermocline
and on nutrient uptake by rooted aquatics will continue.
In Sediment-Water Interchange, one experimental pool will be
installed in Upper Klamath Lake as soon as received. Efforts will
continue to locate suitable lakes for dredging and other restoration
experiments. Field studies on seasonal variation of nutrient content
of interstitial water in Upper Klamath Lake and Lake Erie will con-
tinue, as will laboratory experiments relating to assay procedures
and to inhibition of nutrient interchange.
At Shagawa Lake Project,the experimental procedure initiated in
June will continue throughout the coming quarter. Spiking experiments
as well as experiments involving sewage effluent mixtures will be
conducted.
-------
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
Thermal Pollution Studies
1. Tissue Enzyme Studies
Since temperature can affect the pH of buffers, the pH of
tris-HCl, and phosphate buffers were determined over the range of
temperatures used in the enzyme assays. Phosphate buffer maintained
a rather steady pH, but the pH of the tris buffers declined with in-
creasing temperature. All subsequent assays were conducted using
tris buffers adjusted to produce the desired pH at each temperature
used. To date pH change has produced no qualitative and little quan-
titative difference between earlier assays and recent assays of leucirie
ami no naphthylamidase (LAN) and cholinesterase (ChE).
With the acquisition of juveniles of three species of fish
(sockeye salmon, Chinook salmon, and steel head trout) in addition
to the previously used coho salmon juveniles, enzyme assays were
extended to include all four species. In vitro assays of enzyme
activity were performed using preparations from selected tissues.
Liver leucine ami no naphthylamidase (LAN), which we reported earlier
to-be labile at supralethal temperatures in coho salmon, was found
to have maximum activity at about 45°C. This temperature optimum
was the same in all four species of salmon, both In liver homo-
genate and in the high speed supernatant fraction.
-------
38
Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the high speed super-
natant fraction of muscle was maximum at about 25°C (all four species).
LDH activity in whole homogenate of muscle was also maximum at about
25°C (chinook salmon is the only species thus far investigated in this
respect). LDH activity was measured over a range of pH values; optimum
activity was between pH 5-6 and declined at higher pH values.
The relatively heat labile fraction of cholinesterase found
in the 40,000 X G supernatant accounted for only 5 to 10 percent of
the total cholinesterase activity in brain tissue. This fraction has
a poorly defined peak of activity with respect to temperature, having
instead rather constant activity between 20 and 38°C which dec-lines
markedly above 38°C. The remaining 90 to 95 percent of the cholinesterase
activity in brain homogenate had a distinct peak of activity which in-
creased rapidly up to 38°C and then dropped off sharply at higher
temperatures. No pseudo-cholinesterase activity, as measured by
butyryl choline breakdown, was found in the supernatant fraction.
Additional space has been obtained for holding fish, and a
large portion of the old wet laboratory facility (375 sq". ft£)tis being
9
modified to study the effect of temperature acclimation on enzyme
activity. Recent laboratory water supply temperatures above 20°C have
caused considerable concern for the condition of the fish intended
for enzyme studies. No further work can be performed until a recently
-------
39
acquired chiller is installed to supply colder water to the fish. The
chilled water supply will also make it possible to run a number of
experiments relating in vivo temperature exposure and enzyme activity.
2. Simulation of Adult Salmon Migration Through Elevated
Temperatures
Re-installation of equipment at the Bonnevilie test site was
completed. An initial attempt to perform a pilot test of the facility
with spring chinook was aborted when the North Bonneville fish trap
became inoperative. A subsequent pilot study was conducted using adult
spring chinook which seemed to do well at temperatures below 20°C.
Those held in water heated from ambient temperature (12°C) to 22°C over
a four-day period became lethargic above 20°C and could be captured
by hand, without nets, and examined out of water without anesthesia.
At this point, the condition of these fish was deemed grave; hence,
they were returned to ambient river temperature. However, their con-
dition continued to worsen in comparison to the unheated control fish,
and the short but stressful two-hour period at 22°C apparently insti-
tuted progressive tissue damage and disease. These observations
emphasize the important relationship of environmental stress and
disease. After about four weeks, one of the three "heated" fish died
and the remaining "heated" fish were in very poor condition. At this
time the pilot study was terminated and all the surviving adult
chinooks were released back into the Columbia River.
-------
40
The pilot study also established that some aspects of the
holding facility required modification to prevent adult salmon from
damaging themselves. Since the termination of the pilot study, consid-
erable effort has been devoted to completing these modifications before
the full-scale studies begin July 1.
Facilities for routine water quality testing were developed.
Additional piping was installed to provide an emergency source of con-
denser water. An air blower and distribution lines were installed.
Flow patterns and temperatures within the holding tanks were tested
and found to be excellent. Overhead netting was installed to prevent
fish from jumping higher than 6 feet to escape the tanks. Alarm systems
were installed to signal a failure of pumps or heaters. Brush and low
limbs were removed from the grounds as a deterrent to potential vandals.
Numerous other tasks were completed.
Adverse Properties of Sulfite Waste Liquor (SWL)
Steel head eggs which had been washed in water to remove excessive
ovarian fluid and then fertilized in isotonic saline and Alsea River
water with varying concentrations of sulfite waste liquor were
examined for fertility and counted. SWL at a concentration of 575 ppm
in isotonic saline reduced the average percent fertility from 95 per-
cent to 4 percent. In Alsea River water the SWL reduced the average
percent fertility from 92 percent to 6 percent. The percentage of
fertile eggs was reduced to less than 50 percent by SWL in isotonic
-------
41
saline at concentrations between 200 and 300 ppm. In Alsea River water,
SWL reduced the percentage of fertile eggs to less than 50 percent at con-
centrations between 300 and 450 ppm. The average percent fertility for
controls was always greater than 90 percent. Since the threshold of
toxicity for SWL to adults is greater than 1,000 ppm, the observed
gametocidal effects at 200 ppm are highly significant.
Earlier results with coho salmon eggs, fertilized under control
conditions and reared in artificial redds receiving 50 ppm SWL indicate^
that the presence of 50 ppm of SUL was associated with moderate mortality
(21 percent), early hatching and premature emergence. Similar studies
with steel head eggs have failed to produce such marked effects. However,
it should be pointed out that during the steel head experiment an alter-
nate source of SWL was used and the difference in results may be
ascribable, at least in part, to the different waste. Also, water
temperatures were much warmer and the steel head hatched in about one-
third of the time required by coho.
The main effort was devoted to planning our fertilization studies
for the fall 1969 spawning season. An artificial stream channel is
being designed and constructed that may allow adult salmon to spawn
naturally. If this proves to be successful, several pollutants will
be tested to determine the effect on spawning behavior and fertilization.
A chronic toxicity study is being set up to determine the long-
term effects of paper trade wastes containing zinc hydrosulfite.
-------
42
Areas of Concern
The workload continues to Increase without a concurrent Increase
in trained research staff. As a result, no further assignments can be
accepted without a partial deactivation of ongoing projects.
A most important area of concern, not only to this branch, but
to FWPCA in general, is the need for agency-wide statistical assistance
in the design of experiments or data collection, statistical analysis,
and the statistical interpretation of results. This provides a
potentially weak link in the sum of research activities and involves
sufficient amounts of money and manpower to deserve very careful con-
sideration.
Reports and Papers
A manuscript is being prepared entitled "Effects of Sulfite Waste
Liquor (SWL) on Experimental Fertilization of Steelhead Trout."
Plans for 1st Quarter, FY 1970
The Bonneville adult salmon study will be started in July using
sockeye salmon adults. The sockeye experiment will be terminated in
time for a similar experiment with coho salmon sometime in September.
As water temperature and manpower permit, the tissue enzyme .pro-
gram will continue in vitro studies and begin in vivo studies using
all four species of salmonids.
Work will continue in preparation for fertilization studies with
SWL for the fall 1969 spawning season. Chronic toxicity bioassay gear
will be prepared for studies of the effects of paper trade wastes.
-------
CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM
Status of Projects & Significant Accomplishments
General
The second printing of The Analytical Techniques for the National
Eutrophication Research Program was completed. Typographical errors
in the first edition were corrected.
Assistance was given to the Shagawa Lake Project in equipment,
supplies and manpower to permit the accomplishment of required experi-
ments .
Activities have increased in all programs resulting in a greater
input of samples and more requests for analyses. As a consequence,
the CLSP is taking advantage of the Work-study Program at Oregon Stafe
University, as a source of additional manpower.
Automated Analytical System
The Chief of CLSP discussed Analytical Quality Contro": with
personnel at the Shagawa Lake project at Ely, Minnesota. During the
visit and discussions it became apparent that an automated analytical
system would benefit the Ely operation. The necessary components for
automating chemical analyses were shipped to Ely from Corveillis.
These components will result in some loss of efficiency in operations
at Corvallis but a decision was made that the need at Ely was greater.
A chemist from CLSP, who is most closely allied with automated
analytical systems, assisted Ely personnel in setting up the components
sent to Ely. Thereafter, almost daily communication between the
-------
44
chemists at Shagawa Lake and Corvallis was maintained to resolve opera-
tional problems. Effort is being made to automate the Kjeldahl analyti-
cal procedure in the CLSP.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis
The Fisher Hamilton gas partitioner, and the clinical model gas
partitioner failed due to a burned out thermistor. Parts have been
ordered for both units.
The Portland laboratory personnel have been equipping their
laboratory to perform organic pesticide analysis using FWPCA Interim
Pesticide Methods. The pesticides of particular interest are the
chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
Barium is being used to suppress the ionization of potassium
and sodium to increase sensitivity in the analysis of these two 1on1c
constituents normally found in water. An attempt was made to use rea-
gent grade lithium to suppress this ionization but the high level of
sodium and potassium precluded the suitability of lithium.
Calcium and magnesium are now being analyzed routinely on unpre-
served water samples. Lanthanum chloride with hydrochloric add are
added to sample just prior to analysis to eliminate sulfate, phosphate
and aluminum interference.
Aluminum is now being analyzed routinely using nitrous oxide
flame in a system buffered with 1000 mg/1 potassium to suppress
ionization of aluminum.
-------
45
General Chemical Analysis
A revised method for cyanide determination using a phosphate
buffer for pH control and using the pyridine-pyrazalone system for
color development has been recommended to Analytical Quality Control
as an interim method.
In analyzing for sugars in spent sulfite wastes, the enthrone
method fails to give reproducible results. Further evaluation on
the anthrone method has been suspended.
Biochemical - Microbiological
A bacterial seed acclimated to decomposition of spent sulfite
wastes is being used in the measurement of BOD of spent sulfite
liquor wastes.
Long term (20 day) BOD are being run on samples from selected
Pollution Surveillance stations to develop k-rates. Nitrification is
monitored in the BOD bottle by measuring a nitrogen balance each day.
Areas of Concern
The high level of turnover of temporary intermittent employees
is presenting some problems in keeping up with backlog of analyses.
-------
TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT
9825/000
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Direct Training
"Laboratory Analyses in Treatment Plant Operations" training
course was held May 5-16, 1969 at the Laboratory for a total of 21
trainees.
Cooperative Area Manpower Planning System (CAMPS)
Staff members have met with officials from Oregon, Washington,
Idaho and Montana to discuss the various programs through which funds
can be obtained for manpower development of sewage treatment plant
operators. In addition to institutional-type training at Linn-Benton
Community College, Oregon officials have indicated they will apply
for on-job-training funds. Twenty operators will be trained in Port-
land and twenty more will be included in a statewide project. The
Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle has applied through the National
contract for on-job-training funds for 20 trainees. Idaho has
included in their State CAMPS plan a proposed program of institutional
training coupled with on-job-training. The University of Idaho will
act as the prime contractor. Montana has included in their State
CAMPS plan provisions for institutional training to be conducted at
Linn-Benton Community College, Albany, Oregon, or possibly at Washington
State University, plus provision for one trainer to visit sewage treat-
ment plants in the state for on-job instruction.
-------
47
Tours and orientation were provided for approximately 225 people
during the quarter.
Bill Fitch and Lou Gitto of FWPCA's Systems Analysis Branch con-
ducted a seminar April 28 on statistical treatment of random data,
e.g., principal component analysis, for all interested staff at Pacific
Northwest Water Laboratory.
Plans for the 1st Quarter, FY 1970
"Water Quality Surveys" training course, July 21-25, 1969.
"Freshwater Pollution Ecology" training course, September 15-19,
1969.
A staff member will make a reconnaissance trip to Alaska in pre-
paration for a training course during the next fiscal year at an Alaska
location.
------- |