ABSTRACT
The quality of aquatic bottom sediments is critical to the health of aquatic ecosystems. Sediment-dwelling organisms are key links in food webs that lead to higher level consumers such as fish, waterfowl and, ultimately, humans. Sediments in aquatic systems can be both sinks and sources for inorganic and organic contaminants. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has identified 134 sites with serious sediment contamination problems.1 In addition, 41 areas in the North American Great Lakes,2 50 coastal sites and 85 wildlife refuges have been identified where contaminated sediments pose an environmental hazard.1
