197 
losing their metals. If a metal, such as lead, is equally capable of 
forming a complex with the enzyme, it can compete with the bio- 
logically active metal for the enzyme site, The degree to which this 
competition occurs is dependent upon the concentration of the lead. 
A certain critical lead concentration will be reached beyond which 
the enzyme will no longer function properly and thereby upset the 
biochemical balance within the system. This type of poisoning is 
usually irreversible. 
Poisoning of animals in the New York Bight region will have serious 
repercussions elsewhere along the coast. Most animals and plants in 
the marine environment are a part of a complex food web. Animals 
living in the polluted area will be eaten by others higher up in the food 
chain, perhaps from outside the area. Toxic materials will be passed 
along, as described earlier for DDT, and eventually man may be 
affected. This situation is aggravated by the abnormally high nutrient 
concentrations in the water (concentrations of 50 to 100 times that of 
normal sea water were recorded by Sandy Hook scientists). These 
concentrations are a result of the high percentage of nitrate and 
phosphate in the sludge material. Nutrient-rich waters usually result 
in high primary productivity which in turn, results in increased 
predation (Ryther, 1969). Higher organisms, such as the fish, will be 
attracted to the area for feeding. Increased biological activity in the 
general area of the sewage sludge dump increases the probability of 
the spread of toxic materials and the possible contraction and spread 
of disease. 
In addition to the heavy metals, other poisonous and noxious 
substances are being dumped into the waters of the New York Bight. 
These include persistent pesticides and petrochemicals. The effects of 
these substances on the environment are only now being determined 
and more research is needed. 
In conclusion, the 14 square miles of ocean floor in the New York 
Bight used for sludge disposal is irreversibly destroyed. Even if 
dumping practices were to cease today, the effects of the noxious 
substances present in the sludge already would be felt in this environ- 
ment for an unknown length of time. However, if dumping is con- 
tinued in the same manner, the situation can become even worse. 
Domestic wastes should be separated from industrial wastes since 
the latter contains most of the toxic metals. The domestic wastes 
contain large quantities of nutrient substances, and therefore, can be 
recycled in the environment. This sludge can be dried, ground, and 
sterilized, then packaged as fertilizer or soil conditioner. In addition, 
predetermined limits should be set on the concentrations of heavy 
metals in industrial wastes. These limits will depend upon such factors 
as relative toxicity and methods of dispersion in the environment. The 
metals concentrated from the wastes can also be recycled. Industries 
which do not monitor their wastes should be severely penalized. 
BIBLIOGRAPHY 
Brandhorst, W. (1959), J. Cons. Int. Explor. Mer., 25, 3. 
Radonski, J. L. and W. B. Deichman (1969), in ‘‘Chemical Fallout,” ed. Miller 
and Berg, Charles C. Thomas Publisher, U.S., p. 297. 
Redfield, A. C. and L. A. Walford. (1951), Nat. Res. Counc., Publ. 201. 
Redfield, A. C., B. H. Ketchum, and F. A. Richards, (1963), in “The Sea,” vol. 
II, Hill, ed., Interscience Pub., New York, pp. 26-78. 
