Contaminated sediments represent an ongoing threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems. The assessment of sediment quality is, therefore, an important concern for environmental regulators. Sediment quality guidelines are now well established in regulatory frameworks worldwide; however, practical guidance that covers all of the key aspects of sediment quality assessment is not readily available.
In 2005, CSIRO published its highly cited Handbook for Sediment Quality Assessment. In the ensuing period, the science has advanced considerably. This practical guide is a revised and much expanded second edition, which will be a valuable tool for environmental practitioners.
Written by experts in the field, it provides coverage of: sediment sampling; sample preparation; chemical analysis; ecotoxicology; bioaccumulation; biomarkers; and ecological assessment. In addition, detailed appendices describe protocols for many of the tests to be used.
Preface
Introduction
Sediment sampling, sample preparation and general analysis
Chemistry of sediment contaminants
Sediment ecotoxicology
Bioaccumulation
Biomarkers
Ecological assessment
Appendix A. ANZECC/ARMCANZ Sediment Quality Guideline Values
Appendix B. Acid Volatile Sulfide (AVS) analysis
Appendix C. Preparation of contaminant-spiked sediments
Appendix D. Protocol for whole sediment bioassay using the marine microalga, Entomoneis cf punctulata
Appendix E. Protocol For 10-day whole sediment sub-lethal (reproduction) and acute toxicity tests using the epibenthic amphipod Melita plumulosa
Appendix F. Protocol for whole sediment sub-lethal (reproduction) toxicity tests using the copepod Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid)
Appendix G. Protocols for 10-day whole-sediment lethality toxicity tests and 30-day bioaccumulation tests using the deposit-feeding benthic bivalve Tellina deltoidalis
Appendix H. Protocol for 10-day whole-sediment sub-lethal (growth and emergence) and lethality toxicity tests using the freshwater chironomid (red bloodworm, non-biting midge) Chironomus tepperi
Appendix I. Protocol for 7- to 17-day whole-sediment sub-lethal (egg production, larval hatching success and growth) and lethality toxicity tests using the freshwater snail (Physa acuta)
Appendix J. Protocol for whole-sediment bivalve biomarker assays using Tellina deltoidalis and Anadara trapezia
Appendix K. Ecotoxicogenomics: Microarray analysis of gene expression in sediment biota
Glossary of terms and acronyms
Index
Dr. Stuart Simpson is a Senior Principal Research Scientist with the CSIRO Land and Water Flagship. Dr. Graeme Batley is a Chief Research Scientist, also with CSIRO, and past Director of their Centre for Environmental Contaminants Research.