High-Resolution Chemical Contaminant Monitoring System

This technical report presents the OPTICS (OPTically-based In-situ Characterization System), which utilizes a suite of autonomous sensors to deliver high-resolution observations for assessing chemical contaminants in surface water. The report details how OPTICS provides concentration data for contaminants of concern (COCs) at scales unattainable through traditional sampling methods. It outlines the challenges posed by conventional discrete surface water data, which are difficult to interpret. The report includes results from the Oscar 1 Pier outfall discharge, indicating that total polychlorinated biphenyls (TPCBs) are significantly elevated compared to baseline conditions, suggesting the outfall is a contamination source. Additionally, it discusses the spatial distribution of TPCBs and their dispersion characteristics during stormflow events, highlighting the potential for recontamination. The findings emphasize the need for advanced monitoring systems like OPTICS to effectively evaluate environmental risks associated with contaminated sediment sites.