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Sediment Quality Guidelines (sediment + quality_guideline)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Earth and Environmental Science	18%

Selected Abstracts

A cautionary note on the use of species presence and absence data in deriving sediment criteria

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2002
Katherine Von Stackelberg
Abstract In recent years, a variety of approaches to deriving sediment quality guidelines have been developed. One approach relies on establishing an empirical relationship between the concentration of a contaminant in sediment and the condition of some biological indicator, for example, combining measured sediment concentrations of contaminants combined with data on colocated benthic species to measure in situ community effects of contamination. Biological threshold concentrations derived in this manner are being considered or have already been adopted by some regulatory agencies as a means for deriving sediment guidelines (e.g., Canada's Provincial Sediment Quality Guidelines). In order to test the validity of this method, we constructed several Monte Carlo simulations to illustrate that the methodology used to develop these guidelines is flawed by the effects of sampling and statistical artifacts that emerge from undersampling a lognormal density function. As a case study, this paper will present the screening level concentration method used by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (Toronto, ON, Canada) and provide the results of several probabilistic exercises highlighting these issues. We present a word of caution on the applicability of methods that rely exclusively on statistical and mathematical relationships between invertebrate data and sediment concentrations to derive sediment quality guidelines. [source]

Comparative sediment quality guideline performance for predicting sediment toxicity in Southern California, USA

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 12 2005
Doris E. Vidal
Abstract Several types of sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) are used by multiple agencies in southern California (USA) to interpret sediment chemistry data, yet little information is available to identify the best approaches to use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of five SQGs to predict the presence and absence of sediment toxicity in coastal southern California: the effects range-median quotient (ERMq), consensus moderate effect concentration (consensus MEC), mean sediment quality guideline quotient (SQGQ1), apparent effects threshold (AET), and equilibrium partitioning (EqP) for organics. Large differences in predictive ability among the SQGs were obtained when each approach was applied to the same southern California data set. Sediment quality guidelines that performed well in identifying nontoxic samples were not necessarily the best predictors of toxicity. In general, the mean ERMq, SQGQ1q, and consensus MECq approaches had a better overall predictive ability than the AET and EqP for organics approaches. In addition to evaluating the predictive ability of SQGs addressing chemical mixtures, the effect of an individual SQG value (DDT) was also evaluated for the mean ERMq with and without DDT. The mean ERMq without DDT had a better ability to predict toxic samples than the mean ERMq with DDT. Similarities in discriminatory ability between different approaches, variations in accuracy among SQG values for some chemicals, and the presence of complex mixtures of contaminants in most samples underscore the need to apply SQGs in combination, such as the mean quotient. Management objectives and SQG predictive ability using regional data should be determined beforehand so that the most appropriate SQG approach and critical values can be identified for specific applications. [source]

Sediment quality assessment and dredged material management in Spain: Part II, analysis of action levels for dredged material management and application to the bay of Cádiz,

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2007
Manuel Alvarez-Guerra
Abstract When sediments are removed from aquatic bottoms, they turn into dredged material that must be managed, taking into account its environmental impact. In Part II of this 2-part paper addressing sediment quality assessment and dredged material management in Spain, legislation and criteria used to regulate dredged material disposal at sea in different European countries are reviewed, as are action levels (ALs) derived by different countries used to evaluate management of dredged sediments from Cádiz Bay located on the South Atlantic coast of Spain. Comparison of ALs established for dredged material disposal by different countries reveals orders of magnitude differences in the values established for the same chemical. In Part I of this 2-part paper, review of different sediment quality guideline (SQG) methods used to support sediment quality assessments indicated a great heterogeneity of SQGs, both with regard to the numeric values for a particular chemical and the number of substances for which SQGs have been derived. The analysis highlighted the absence of SQGs for priority substances identified in current European Union water policy. Here, in Part II, the ALs are applied to dredged sediments from Cádiz Bay (South Atlantic coast of Spain), evidencing that the heterogeneity of ALs implemented in the reviewed countries could determine different management strategies. The application of other measurements such as bioassays might offer information useful in identifying a cost-effective management option in a decision-making framework, especially for dredged material with intermediate chemical concentrations. [source]

Comparative sediment quality guideline performance for predicting sediment toxicity in Southern California, USA

Effects of long-chain hydrocarbon-polluted sediment on freshwater macroinvertebrates

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2005
Vincent Pettigrove
Abstract High-molecular weight (>C16) hydrocarbons (HMWHs) are common pollutants in sediments of freshwater systems, particularly urban water bodies. No sediment quality guidelines exist for total hydrocarbons; more emphasis is placed on polyaromatic hydrocarbons, the most toxic component of hydrocarbons. A field-based microcosm experiment was conducted to determine whether unpolluted sediments spiked with synthetic motor oil impair freshwater macroinvertebrate assemblages. Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) concentrations of 860 mg/kg dry weight significantly increased the abundance of Polypedilum vespertinus and Cricotopus albitarsis and decreased the abundance of Paratanytarsus grimmii adults (all Chironomidae), whereas TPH concentrations ranging from 1,858 to 14,266 mg/kg produced a significant reduction in the total numbers of taxa and abundance, with significant declines in the abundance of nine chironomid taxa. About 28% of water bodies surveyed in urban Melbourne, Australia, had TPH concentrations in sediments likely to cause ecological impairment, and about 14% of the water bodies surveyed are likely to have reduced species richness and abundance. Therefore, HMWHs can be a significant pollutant in urban water bodies. Freshwater sediment quality guidelines should be developed for this ubiquitous urban pollutant. [source]

The relative sensitivity of four benthic invertebrates to metals in spiked-sediment exposures and application to contaminated field sediment

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2003
Danielle Milani
Abstract The relative sensitivity of four benthic invertebrates (Hyalella azteca, Chironomus riparius, Hexagenia spp., and Tubifex tubifex) was determined for Cd, Cu, and Ni in water-only and in spiked-sediment exposures. Survival (median lethal concentrations [LC50s] and the concentrations estimated to be lethal to 25% of test organisms [LC25s]), and endpoints for growth and reproduction (mean inhibitory concentrations [IC25s]) were compared. The sensitivities differed depending on the species and metal, although some trends emerged. In water-only exposures, H. azteca is the most sensitive species to cadmium and nickel, with mean LC50s of 0.013 and 3.6 mg/L, respectively; C. riparius is the most sensitive species to copper, with a mean LC50 of 0.043 mg/L. In the spiked-sediment exposures, the order in decreasing sensitivity to copper is Hyalella = Hexagenia < Chironomus < Tubifex for survival and growth/reproduction. For cadmium, the order in decreasing sensitivity is Hyalella = Chironomus < Hexagenia < Tubifex, and for nickel is Hyalella , Hexagenia < Chironomus < Tubifex. Chironomus riparius and Hexagenia spp. survival can be used to distinguish between toxicity caused by different metals. Species test responses in field-collected sediment (Collingwood Harbour, ON, Canada) were examined in an attempt to determine the causative agent of toxicity throughout, using the established species sensitivities. Sediment toxicity was categorized first by comparing species responses to those established for a reference database. Test responses in the field-collected sediment do not support causality by Cu, a suspected toxicant based on comparison of sediment chemistry with sediment quality guidelines. [source]

A cautionary note on the use of species presence and absence data in deriving sediment criteria

Sediment chemical contamination and toxicity associated with a coastal golf course complex,

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 7 2001
Michael A. Lewis
Abstract The increasing density of golf courses represents a potential source of sediment contamination to nearby coastal areas, the chemical and biological magnitude of which is almost unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of contaminants and toxicities of sediments impacted by a coastal golf course complex. Sediment contaminant concentrations were determined at least twice during the two-year study period at 14 sampling stations. In addition, a combination of acute and chronic bioassays were conducted exposing four invertebrate test species to whole sediments and associated pore waters. Overall, the Florida, USA, golf course complex had a measurable impact on sediment chemical quality, particularly in near-field areas. Higher concentrations of several trace metals and organochlorine pesticides were detected in many golf course-associated sediments compared with reference areas; however, concentrations decreased seaward and only a few, primarily chlorinated pesticides, exceeded proposed sediment quality guidelines. Chromium, zinc, and mercury were detected more frequently than other trace metals. The DDT and associated metabolites, dieldrin and chlordane, were the more commonly detected organic contaminants. Acute toxicity was uncommon and occurred consistently for sediment collected from one coastal location. In contrast, chronic toxicity occurred at several study sites based on the response of Mysidopsis bahia. It was concluded that the impact of golf course runoff on sediment quality may be subtle and sensitive biological assessment methods, such as chronic toxicity tests, will be needed to detect adverse effects. [source]

The sediments of the venice lagoon (Italy) evaluated in a screening risk assessment approach: Part I,application of international sediment quality guidelines

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2007
Sabine E Apitz
Abstract Although it generally is agreed on in the scientific community that an evaluation of sediment quality solely based on total contaminant levels should be regarded only as a 1st tier or 1 LOE in a WOE framework, not all regulatory frameworks follow this approach. As will be discussed later, dredged material disposal in Venice Lagoon currently is regulated based upon the use of regionally developed SQGs as strict pass/fail criteria. The implications of this policy upon the management of the lagoon are under investigation, but studies on contaminant mobility and bioavailability and on sediment-related effects on biota and exposure (bioassays, biomarkers, bioaccumulation, biomagnification) having the characteristics (duration, number of sites and samples, frequency, number of chemicals and endpoints, etc.) to properly support (e.g., preliminary and/or detailed quantitative risk assessment) decisions on a basin scale have been carried out only recently in the Venice Lagoon (Thetis 2003; Losso et al. 2004; Carrer et al. 2005; Thetis 2005c). [source]

Sequential analysis of lines of evidence,an advanced weight-of-evidence approach for ecological risk assessment

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 4 2006
Ruth N Hull
Abstract Weight-of-evidence (WOE) approaches have been used in ecological risk assessment (ERA) for many years. The approaches integrate various types of data (e.g., from chemistry, bioassay, and field studies) to make an overall conclusion of risk. However, the current practice of WOE has several important difficulties, including a lack of transparency related to how each line of evidence is weighted or integrated into the overall weight-of-evidence conclusion. Therefore, a sequential analysis of lines of evidence (SALE) approach has been developed that advances the practice of WOE. It was developed for an ERA of chemical stressors but also can be used for nonchemical stressors and is equally applicable to the aquatic and terrestrial environments. The sequential aspect of the SALE process is a significant advancement and is based on 2 primary ideas. First, risks can be ruled out with the use of certain lines of evidence, including modeled hazard quotients (HQs) and comparisons of soil, water, or sediment quality with conservative soil, water or sediment quality guidelines. Thus, the SALE process recognizes that HQs are most useful in ruling out risk rather than predicting risk to ecological populations or communities. Second, the SALE process provides several opportunities to exit the risk assessment process, not only when risks are ruled out, but also when magnitude of effect is acceptable or when little or no evidence exists that associations between stressors and effects may be causal. Thus, the SALE approach explicitly includes interaction between assessors and managers. It illustrates to risk managers how risk management can go beyond the simple derivation of risk-based concentrations of chemicals of concern to risk management goals based on ecological metrics (e.g., species diversity). It also can be used to stimulate discussion of the limitations of the ERA science, and how scientists deal with uncertainty. It should assist risk managers by allowing their decisions to be based on a sequential, flexible, and transparent process that includes direct toxicity risks, indirect risks (via changes in habitat suitability), and the spatial and temporal factors that can influence the risk assessment. [source]

A Decision-Making Framework for Sediment Contamination

INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2005
Peter M. Chapman
Abstract A decision-making framework for determining whether or not contaminated sediments are polluted is described. This framework is intended to be sufficiently prescriptive to standardize the decision-making process but without using "cook book" assessments. It emphasizes 4 guidance "rules": (1) sediment chemistry data are only to be used alone for remediation decisions when the costs of further investigation outweigh the costs of remediation and there is agreement among all stakeholders to act; (2) remediation decisions are based primarily on biology; (3) lines of evidence (LOE), such as laboratory toxicity tests and models that contradict the results of properly conducted field surveys, are assumed incorrect; and (4) if the impacts of a remedial alternative will cause more environmental harm than good, then it should not be implemented. Sediments with contaminant concentrations below sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) that predict toxicity to less than 5% of sediment-dwelling infauna and that contain no quantifiable concentrations of substances capable of biomagnifying are excluded from further consideration, as are sediments that do not meet these criteria but have contaminant concentrations equal to or below reference concentrations. Biomagnification potential is initially addressed by conservative (worst case) modeling based on benthos and sediments and, subsequently, by additional food chain data and more realistic assumptions. Toxicity (acute and chronic) and alterations to resident communities are addressed by, respectively, laboratory studies and field observations. The integrative decision point for sediments is a weight of evidence (WOE) matrix combining up to 4 main LOE: chemistry, toxicity, community alteration, and biomagnification potential. Of 16 possible WOE scenarios, 6 result in definite decisions, and 10 require additional assessment. Typically, this framework will be applied to surficial sediments. The possibility that deeper sediments may be uncovered as a result of natural or other processes must also be investigated and may require similar assessment. [source]

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon residues in the sediments of a dune lake as a result of power boating

LAKES & RESERVOIRS: RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT, Issue 1 2001
Thorsten D. Mosisch
Abstract The potential chemical effects of motorized recreational activities (power boating, water skiing, jet skiing) on Brown Lake, an Australian perched, acid dune lake, were investigated. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) that may have accumulated in the water and/or the organic bottom sediments of the test lake as a result of the operation of powered recreational watercraft, and to evaluate any risk to aquatic biota. To achieve this, a detailed sampling and analysis programme of the lake water and sediments was implemented. Basic water quality, ionic and nutrient data gave no indication of any deterioration in the water quality of the lake, which was attributable to human usage in general or motorized recreational activities in particular. However, analysis of samples taken from the organic bottom sediments of the lake revealed the presence of 10 PAH, including benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, fluoranthene, phenanthrene and pyrene, which are known to be indicative of fossil fuel combustion processes. Three PAH compounds were found at all survey sites: benzo(a)pyrene (in 46% of samples), fluoranthene (in 53% of samples) and pyrene (in 44% of samples). Results of the analyses were compared with values from published guidelines for residues in freshwaters and sediments, as well as with previous studies dealing with the effects of fossil fuel combustion products on lakes. The highest PAH concentrations in sediments were recorded for benzo(a)pyrene, with three values (830, 955 and 1070 ,g kg,1 dryweight) exceeding the upper threshold recommended in the draft Canadian freshwater sediment quality guidelines. Benzo(a)pyrene also exceeded the lower Canadian sediment threshold in 51 (40%) samples. These results indicate a significant level of chemical contamination of Brown Lake as a consequence of four decades of motorized recreational activities and present a significant risk to aquatic biota, particularly benthic and littoral invertebrates associated with the contaminated sediments. [source]

Unreliability of co-occurrence-based sediment quality guidelines for contaminated sediment evaluations at Superfund/hazardous chemical sites

REMEDIATION, Issue 2 2005
Anne Jones-Lee
Many Superfund/hazardous chemical sites include waterbodies whose sediments contain hazardous chemicals. With the need to assess, rank, and remediate contaminated sediments at such sites, as well as in other waterways, regulators seek a simple, quantitative assessment approach that feeds easily into a decision-making scheme. Numeric, co-occurrence-based "sediment quality guidelines" have emerged with the appearance of administrative simplicity. However, the very foundation of the co-occurrence approach, based on the total concentrations of a chemical(s) in sediment, is technically invalid; its application relies on additional technically invalid presumptions. Use of technically invalid evaluation approaches renders any assessment of the significance of sediment contamination unreliable. This article reviews the technical roots and assumptions of the co-occurrence-based SQGs, the fundamental flaws in the rationale behind their development and application, and their misapplication for sediment quality evaluation. It also reviews concepts and approaches for the more reliable evaluation, ranking, and cleanup assessment of contaminated sediments at Superfund sites and elsewhere. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]