|
(159) Ammonium Perchlorate in Ecological Receptors at Karnack, Texas. Smith, Phil1, Theodorakis, Chris1, Anderson, Todd1, Kendall, Ronald1, 1 ABSTRACT- There have been increasing human health and ecological concerns about ionic perchlorate (ClO4-) since it was detected in drinking water sources in 1997. Perchlorate is known to affect thyroid function, causing subsequent hormone disruption and potential perturbations of metabolic activities. According to current estimates, perchlorate is found in surface or groundwater in 14 states, including Texas. Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, located in east central Texas, was a facility historically associated with perchlorate-containing propellants and rocket motors. Subsequently, perchlorate contamination in ground and surface waters at the facility has been reported. Surface and storm water from the plant flows into Caddo Lake, the primary source of drinking water for several communities in Louisiana. Soil, sediment, water, and animal tissue samples were collected from several locations within the plant for a preliminary site assessment of perchlorate contamination. Perchlorate was detected in water and/or sediment, and soil samples from selected areas at LHAAP. Perchlorate concentrations ranging from 811-2038 ppb in aquatic insects, below detection limits (BDL) to 207 ppb in fish, below detection limit (BDL) to 580 ppb in frogs, and ND to 2328 ppb were detected in mammals. We hypothesized that aquatic organisms would be at greatest risk for exposure to the highly soluble perchlorate anion. Consistent with our hypothesis, aquatic organisms inhabiting perchlorate-contaminated surface water bodies contained detectable concentrations of perchlorate. Additionally, terrestrial organisms were exposed through pathways not necessarily related to contaminated surface waters. Therefore, these data demonstrate that aquatic and terrestrial species are at risk of environmental perchlorate exposure. To our knowledge, this represents the first incidence of perchlorate exposure among wild animals reported in the scientific literature. Key words: pechlorate, ecological |
