Sediment Criteria Development

Abstract

The role of sediments as carriers and potential sources of contaminants is reviewed. A program of sediment studies will normally consist of a series of objectives of increasing complexity, each drawing part of its information from the preceding data base. The study of dated sediment cores has proven particulary useful as it provides a historical record of the various influences on the aquatic system by indicating both the natural background levels and the man-induced accumulation of pollutants over an extended period of time. Since adsorption of pollutants onto particles is a primary factor in determining the transport, deposition, reactivity, and potential toxicity of these materials, analytical methods should be related to the chemistry of the particle's surface and/or to the pollutant species highly enriched on the surface.