Fredericksburg.com - Fake fish may help scientists track contamination levels

search local
Follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook

Get a printer-friendly version of this page. E-mail this story to a friend.
Make a post about this story on FredTalk.

Fake fish may help scientists track contamination levels
Testing continues for PCBs in Lake Anna

Date published: 10/27/2004

Fake fish may help scientists track contamination levels

Scientists plumbing the depths of Lake Anna for PCB contamination are getting some help from fake fish.

Earlier this month, researchers with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality submerged 10 of the sensors in the lake and several of its feeder streams. The devices, which look more like half-gallon thermos bottles than bass or catfish, absorb pollutants in the water for 28 days.

The equipment approximates fish tissue and analysis of the faux fish may indicate the level of PCB contamination in real fish. Unlike most fish, the fakes rest on the bottom.

Researchers have used the canisters, known as semi-permeable membrane devices, in streams elsewhere in Virginia, but the technology is relatively new.

For more details, read Thursday's Free Lance-Star.

To reach RUSTY DENNEN: 540/374-5431 rdennen@freelancestar.com



Date published: 10/27/2004



Comments guidelines

1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
2. Please avoid offensive, vulgar, abusive, hateful or defamatory language.
3. Read and follow THE RULES.
4. We will block violaters and ban repeat offenders.










The Free Lance-Star fredericksburg.com 93.3 WFLS Print Innovators Classic Rock 96.9 99.3 The Vibe wntx radio