ABSTRACT
Surface water quality has improved in the United States because of better regulation and treatment, but sediments remain as sinks for historical releases of metals and organic contaminants. Sediment contamination is present in more than 70% of U.S. watersheds, with a total estimated surcial volume of more than 1 billion m3 [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), 1997]. Both point and nonpoint pollution sources contribute to this problem. Metals, including
12.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 267 12.2 Bioavailability of Metals in Sediment ..................................................................................268
