Information on trace elements in Otsego Lake is derived from data provided by the Village of Cooperstown Wat er Treatment Plant from samples collected from the municipal intake located at a depth of approximately 15 m of water on the east side of TR7. Table 24a summarizes results of organic chemical analyses from 1972 through 1994 (Peters, 1994). Table 24b describes results of inorganic trace element concentrations analyzed between 1928 and 1993 (Peters, 1994). Information of trace elements associated with sediments and pore water is presented in the "Phytobenthos" section below.
In 1994, public con cern about hydrocarbon pollution from powerboats and herbicide runoff from golf courses, roadsides and agricultural sources resulted in a study by Goldberg (1996). Water samples were collected "...nearer potential sources of herbicides and hydrocarbons than the Cooperstown Village water intake..." where quarterly analyses (indicated above) are routinely taken.
Samples were collected early in the spring (6/16/94) before extensive seasonal powerboat utilization, and after a significant runoff e vent. Another series of samples was obtained on 7/16/94 after a weekend of intensive powerboat use. Samples were sent to Friend Laboratory, Inc. (FLI), in Waverly, N.Y., the organization that regularly tests Cooperstown's potable water (above). The following tests were requested from FLI; GCFID (310.13), for heavier petroleum compounds; BTEX, for volatiles and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; and synthetic organic pesticides. Sample locations and results are presented in Table 25 (Goldberg, 1996).
There is no evidence of herbicide pollution based on these analyses. No motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, or fuel oil was detected. However, there were traces of BTEX compounds found at every sampling site, except the deep water sample at center lake (TR4-C). There was no attempt to isolate sources of BTEX compounds. There was no evidence of a correlation between any pollution and power-boat use. It should be noted that in June traces of benzene were found at all sample sites except the mouth of Hayden Creek; while in July, Hayden Creek and the Village of Cooperstown waterfront were the only sites where these compounds were detected.
