| Abstract: | Selected samples of sediments from cores taken in the Ala Wai Canal (south-east Oahu, Hawaii) have been analyzed for organosilicon (silicone) content. Observed levels of silicone range from just above the detection limit (≈0.01 ppm) to over 1 ppm, and vertical distribution in the sediment column generally increases upwards, with the highest silicone content in the most contemporary sediments (dated independantly( by 210Pb and 137Cs measurements). Further, there is clear evidence of spike events (i.e. high levels of silicone in older, buried sediments) which appear to be associated with major, documented storm events on the island os Oahu. Silicone assay was by solvent extraction, and quantitative spectrophotometric measurement at 7.95 μm. The Ala Wai Canal is an anthropogenic hydorgraphic feature on Oahu. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
