Metal Bioavailability and Toxicity in Sediments

Abstract

Sediments are a critical compartment of ecosystems where natural and anthropogenic chemicals accumulate. Current assessment methods include chemical extractions of “available” fractions, development of theoretical and empirical single chemical guidelines, laboratory toxicity testing of single species, field testing of single species, evaluations of populations and communities, and field exposures collecting chemical “available” fractions. Each approach has its own unique strengths and limitations, which has resulted in recommendations for use of multiple assessment methods. These methods provide unique information that aids the resulting decision making process of whether or not sediments are significantly contaminated from an ecological and human health viewpoint.

KEYWORDS:

• risk assessment
• toxicants
• ecosystem quality

Notes

*Characterizing physicochemical conditions, habitat, flow and groundwater/surface water interactions aids in identifying stressor effects and stressor-receptor causality linkages.