The evaluation of sediment quality is an essential step in assessing the impacts of pollution on the coastal environment. Many contaminants bind to sediments and can accumulate to harmful concentrations in coastal habitats. Because a complex array of sediment processes influence the exposure of marine life to sediment contamination, a multifaceted approach is needed to assess the impact on ecosystems and human and wildlife health.
Researchers at SCCWRP are developing tools and assessment frameworks for investigating both the direct and indirect effects of sediment contamination. This work applies to estuaries (areas at the mouth of streams where fresh and ocean waters mix during a major portion of the year) and bays (indentations along the coast which separate an area of oceanic water within distinct headlands or harbor works) along the coast of California.
Risk to aquatic organisms caused by direct contact with contaminated sediments
Risk to humans, wildlife, or aquatic organisms through consumption of food containing bioaccumulated contaminants
The sediment quality assessment tools developed by SCCWRP will provide environmental managers with a more consistent and reliable scientific foundation for sediment quality assessments within monitoring and regulatory programs. The State of California has proposed using these tools to assess sediment quality in bays and estuaries as part of a new Sediment Quality Objectives (SQOs) policy.
For more information on this topic, please contact Steve Bay at steveb@sccwrp.org
