EVALUATION OF EQUILIBRIUM PARTITIONING SEDIMENT QUALITY CRITERIA

Abstract

Aquatic sediments serve both as a sink and a source for numerous inorganic and organic pollutants that have been released into the environment. In the Great Lakes, sediment contamination is of primary concern in the vast majority of the "Areas of Concern" (Hileman, 1988). The existence of heavily contaminated sediments has resulted in a number of studies that have evaluated their chemical and biological status or degree of pollution (e.g., U.S. EPA, 1993). In addition to studies aimed at determining the areal extent and severity of sediment contamination, it is important to obtain an understanding of the various environmental factors that may influence the biological impact of the contaminants. It is essential for the protection of aquatic biota that a thorough understanding be achieved regarding the bioavailability and toxicity of sediment-associated pollutants, and that appropriate regulatory measures be instituted to control the quantities of these contaminants. This project was designed to address specific issues that would contribute to our understanding of environmental factors that affect the bioavailability and/or toxicity of sediment-associated contaminants.