ABSTRACT
Assessment of the literature on sediments clearly reveals the prominent role that they play in elemental cycling, and this has been used to great effect in environmental monitoring and assessment. This chapter provides the basic background and understanding needed to interpret accurately data derived from sediment sampling programmes. Particulate matter is derived primarily from rock weathering processes, both physical and chemical, and may be further modified by soil-forming processes. Sediment systems, as they interact with water and biology, are highly dependent on the physical and chemical condition of the water body. The toxic effects of sediment pollutants must be defined more clearly and standardised biological tests must be developed to assess sediment toxicity. There is a need to define more clearly the atmospheric deposition of particulates and the role that these play in the major global transport of nutrients and toxic contaminants, particularly to lakes. The chapter explores the use of particulate material in water quality assessments with case studies.
