Surficial Geology Along The Spokane River, Washington And Its Relationship To The Metal Content of Sediments

The purpose of this study is (1) to document the geographic distribution of Holocene (deposited in the last 11,000 years) sedimentary lithologies in and along the Spokane River, (2) to document the downstream variation of metal contents (especially lead [Pb] and zinc [Zn] ) by sedimentary lithology, and (3) to compare the metal contents of different sedimentary lithologies. This data is used to gain some understanding of the physical and chemical processes that control those metal contents.

It is hoped this study can be used to guide potential future remedial actions aimed at reducing the biologic impact of metal-enriched sediments in this area. This work was undertaken in cooperation with the Washington Department of Ecology and the Environmental Protection Agency. [Summary provided by the USGS.]