Freshwater Sediment Assessment
– Scoping Study
SR3931/1
August 1995
SUMMARY
The objective of this scoping study is to propose a regulatory
framework for the assessment of freshwater sediment quality in Scotland
and Northern Ireland. The need for such a scheme has been prompted by
the presence of elevated levels of pesticides in some Scottish riverine
sediments.
The recommendations given in the report are based on the current state
of the art in sediment quality assessment and the current practices in
Scotland and Northern Ireland. Current practices were determined by
questionnaire responses. A Tiered strategy is proposed which measures
chemistry, toxicity and biology (the sediment quality triad) of the
sediments of concern. Sediments of concern are identified using a
toxicological screening step.
Detailed recommendations are given for the measurement of each of the
three components of the triad, and areas requiring further research are
highlighted. Such areas include the development of a sensitive
sublethal sediment toxicity test for use in screening, and the
standardisation of sample collection, handling and analytical
techniques across laboratories.
Information on the control options currently available, and the use of
biota in monitoring, is given in the appendices.
KEY WORDS
sediment quality triad, freshwater, strategy.
Copies of the report are available from the Foundation, price
£30.00, less 20% to FWR members.