ABSTRACT
Sediment quality is related to the quality of surface water. It is due to the serial mechanisms of the dissolution of organic matter and the exclusion of contaminants resulting from the consolidation of sediments or the leaching of contaminants. In addition, the food chain starting from the bottom is the most important mechanism for the contamination of aquatic life (Bright et al., 1995; McLachlan et al., 2001). Therefore, in order to make an appropriate assessment of sediments, the physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms have to be understood well. Since the mechanisms are natural and complex, there is the possibility that nonpredictable results can be obtained. Therefore, it is required for engineers to modify or take measures suited to the occasion.
