VI-239 



geonorphology to permit the collection of data to construct mdels 

 useful for coastal waste management. We consider this to be a matter 

 requiring immediate attention. 



Chemical Processes Involving 

 Dissolved Inorganic Constituents 



(1) The concentrations and the forms of trace elements 

 believed to be biologically significant In the waters and 

 sediments and their concentrations In organisms In dif- 

 ferent areas should be determined. The forms In which 

 these elements occur affect their availability to 

 organisms. Areas that should be examined are near the 

 mouths of large rivers and coastal areas where fresh water 

 Inputs come primarily from waste water discharges. The 

 elements of concern would probably Include but not be 

 limited to copper, zinc, cobalt, chromium, arsenic, 

 molybdenum, selenium, mercury, cadmium, and lead. 



(2) The degree of complexing of trace metals by the 

 organic and Inorganic constituents of wastewater effluents, 

 sea water, and estuarlne waters should be evaluated In 

 both laboratory and field studies. Temperature ranges In 

 the natural environment as well as In the vicinity of 

 thermal outfalls should be represented In the experimental 

 program. Not only may the degree of complexing prove 

 significant In controlling the behavior of the metal ions. 



