concentrations in Massachusetts Bay, the cause of which has not been determined. The 
occurrence of these low oxygen concentrations in Massachusetts Bay contributed to the 
decision of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to deny the 301(h) application. As 
Officer and Ryther point out, the nitrogen flux available for plant growth from secondary 
treated effluent may exceed that from untreated sewage. Thus, potential enhanced 
nutrient fluxes from Boston's future secondary sewage treatment plant raise important 
questions concerning the fate of nutrients and their effect on oxygen concentrations in 
the Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay system. Ironically, the application of secondary 
treatment, while serving to reduce the flux of contaminants to this system, may well 
result in accelerated eutrophication of the Boston Harbor/Massachusetts Bay system. 
Clearly, we need to understand the nutrient dynamics of Boston Harbor and Massachusetts 
Bay. 
In summary, I would like to identify critical areas where the lack of data either 
directly or indirectly influence our understanding of the inorganic chemistry of Boston 
Harbor and Massachusetts Bay. 
1. The physical circulation and the parameters that govern such 
circulation have not been adequately defined for either the Harbor 
or the Bay. These data are required to determine transport, 
distribution, and fate of contaminants in this system and, 
ultimately, the potential influence of these contaminants on the 
biota. 
2. The efficiencies with which contaminants are retained in both 
Boston Harbor and Massachusetts Bay sediments are critical in any 
attempt to assess the existing and future fate of contaminants 
introduced into this system. 
3. Accurate assessment of the nature and quantities of metals and 
nutrients entering the system must be obtained. 
4. Knowledge of the chemical speciation of metals is of critical 
importance in any attempt to understand the geochemical behavior 
and toxicity of these contaminants to the biota. 
The above areas are not exhaustive, but rather serve as areas where immediate 
information is required, especially in view of the massive funds (about two billion dollars) 
being expended on the design and construction of facilities to reduce the pollution of 
Boston Harbor. Even with such improvements, the quantities of metals and nutrients 
entering this system will still be substantial. Ignorance in the above areas will enhance 
the possibility of costly engineering mistakes in the next decade that may adversely 
effect the health and welfare of this ecosystem for many decades to come. 
55 
