1980-07-11_REVISION - M1977493 (8)

Home Browse Search

The fish samples are then preserved and shipped to the independent laboratory for tissue analysis to determine the levels of metals present. Benthos samples are evaluated for the assessment of the existing ecological status of an aquatic ecosystem based upon the number of different kinds of organisms living in the habitat. This concept, begun as early as 1898 , notes that animal pupulations of rivers when subject to stresses such as heavy metals, lowered dissolved oxygen levels, and siltatin, exhibited changes in the population and types or organisms. The practice in the field of fresh water ecology is to express the numbers of different kinds of organisms found in relation to the number of individuals in the sample. The resultant value is called a species diversity index and indicates the level , if any, of population and certain types of population by the species present and their numbers. Such base information, with additional monitoring , provides data for maintenance or improvement of outfall water quality. Climax "In-House" Water. Monitoring In addition to the routine water quality monitoring program conducted by an independent contractor , whenever a particular question arises concerning a potential problem, Climax collects or commissions the collection of special samples to submit to the independent laboratory for analysis.. The information is then used to correct or prevent adverse influences. 4 . Molybdenum and Heavy Metal Extraction Another program developed by Climax to improve water quality has involved research, pilot plants , and presently full scale facilities to reduce the discharge of molybdenum, heavy ` metals , and other significant materials from industrial waters. The initial cost of the treatment facilities is approximately $6 ,100 , 000 , and the annual operating costs are estimated at $500 , 000 . Approximately $4 , 000 , 000 was required for construction of the previously referred to canal system. 8-8