Chlordane and dieldrin contamination and biodegradation in Ala Wai Canal sediment

Abstract

The objectives are (1) investigate the contamination levels of chlordane and dieldrin both horizontally (i.e. at different locations of the Ala Wai Canal) and vertically (i.e. at different depth in the sediment) in Ala Wai Canal sediment, and (2) determine whether or not chlordane in Ala Wai Canal sediment can be biodegraded. Objective 1 was accomplished by collecting sediment core samples at various locations along the Ala Wai Canal and the concentrations of chlordane and dieldrin were quantified for each sampling location to formulate a concentration profile. Objective 2 was accomplished by performing laboratory microcosm experiments with Ala Wai Canal sediment spiked with chlordane.