ABSTRACT
Chemical contaminant concentrations have been used historically, and are still being used, to assess sediment quality and to regulate and make management decisions as to how to deal with contaminated sediments. This chapter introduces the field of sediment toxicity assessment. Sediments contaminated with nutrients, metals and metalloids, organics, and oxygen-consuming substances can be found in freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems throughout the world. Traditionally, contaminated sediments have been evaluated as part of navigational dredging and disposal projects. Problem sediments typically contain toxic levels of persistent contaminants, many of which may be immediately lethal or have long-term deleterious effects, including reproductive impairment/birth defects. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Status and Trends Program have monitored chemical concentrations in marine sediments at approximately 200 sites across the U. S. since 1984. Sediment is comprised of all detrital, inorganic, or organic particles eventually settling on the bottom of a body of water.
