Contaminated Sediments in Freshwater Systems

Assessment of freshwater sediments can determine whether chemical concentrations are sufficient to cause adverse effects on aquatic organisms or organisms higher in the food chain, including humans. This book presents methods for assessing sediments and includes an integration of physical, chemical, and biological information. It examines the elements of quality assurance and control programs, considerations for the conduct of field surveys, screening-level analyses, chemical analyses, toxicity tests for assessing biological impacts, assessments of benthic invertebrate community structure, surveys of fish tumors and abnormalities, and data presentation and interpretation techniques.

Preface. List of Acronyms. Assessment and Management of Contaminated Sediments. Introduction. Ecosystem-Based Sediment Quality Assessment and Management. Sediment Quality Issues and Concerns. Ecosystem and Sediment Management. Metrics for Assessing the Effects of Contaminated Sediments. Sediment Quality Investigations. Assessing and Managing Sediment Quality Conditions. Preliminary Site Investigation. Detailed Site Investigation. Sampling and Analysis Plans. Results of Sediment Quality Investigations. Whole-Sediment and Pore-Water Chemistry. Whole-Sediment and Pore-Water Toxicity Testing. Benthic Invertebrates. Bioaccumulation Assessment. Fish Health Assessment. Integrated Indicators of Sediment Quality. Glossary. Index.

Frank R. Spellman, PhD, is a retired assistant professor of environmental health at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. He is the author of more than 90 books covering topics in environmental science and occupational health, and has been cited in more than 450 publications. Dr. Spellman holds a BA in public administration, a BS in business management, an MBA, and both an MS and a PhD in environmental engineering.