Sediment management: Ecological and ecotoxicological effects must direct actions

Abstract

The need for guidance on the bioassessment and management of contaminated sediment has been articulated by Remedial Action Plan practitioners, the International Joint Commission, scientists, and managers in many jurisdictions. Encouragingly, a convergence of opinion, on what constitutes a comprehensive sediment assessment, is beginning. However, there continues to be a need for methods to interpret and integrate multiple pieces of information on sediment chemistry, biological information from field monitoring and laboratory sediment bioassessment in an ecologically meaningful way. This paper recommends an approach to comprehensive sediment bioassessment that is driven by the need to rehabilitate "beneficial uses" as described in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. The paper also highlights advances in data interpretation that are facilitating he development of sediment management strategies.