ABSTRACT
Sediment provides habitat for many aquatic organisms and is a major repository for many of the more persistent chemicals that are introduced into surface waters. In the aquatic environment, most anthropogenic chemicals and waste materials including toxic organic and inorganic chemicals eventually accumulate in sediment. Sediment has been defined as particulate material normally lying below water, or for experimental purposes a sediment could be formulated from particulate material. Sediment toxicity tests can provide rapid information on the potential toxicity of contaminants to benthic organisms. The primary incentive for sediment testing has been dredge material permitting. Contaminants in field-collected sediment may include carcinogens, mutagens, and other potentially toxic compounds. Test sediment can be prepared by manipulating the properties of a control or reference sediment. The source of sediment toxicity and the interactive effects of contaminants can be determined by spiking a sediment with chemicals or complex waste mixtures.
