Battery of tests approach applied to three different types of sediment extracts

Abstract

Over the past eight years we have been evaluating a variety of sediment extraction procedures and have finally settled for a three phase sequential procedure which involves pore water extraction followed by Milli‐Q water extraction. Then the dewatered sediment is extracted by a solution containing 10% methanol, 10% DMSO and 80% Milli‐Q water. This three phase sequential extraction procedure was applied to Hamilton Harbour sediments and the extracts were tested for toxicant activity by the battery of tests approach. Based on these samples, it would appear that pore water bioassay results are probably most indicative of the bioavailable toxicants load in Hamilton Harbour sediments.