METALS AND ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN FISH AND SEDIMENTS FROM THE MISSOURI AND LOWER KANSAS RIVERS IN KANSAS IN 1991

I sampled sediments and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at two locations on the Kansas River and two locations on the Missouri River adjacent to Kansas in June 1991. All samples were analyzed for metals, organochlorine compounds, and aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Sediments also were analyzed for aromatic hydrocarbons. Concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, chromium, and lead in one or more of the sampling locations are of concern. In the common carp composites, chlordane compound concentrations were above the level at which detrimental effects might be found at Kansas City and at Bonner Springs. However, there is probably little that can be done to reduce chlordane pollution of the rivers. Aliphatic hydrocarbon concentrations in the fish composites indicate chronic exposure to petroleum compounds. However, the aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations suggest that exposure to petroleum contamination did not occur just prior to sampling