Guideline for assessing the quality of sediments and dredged material

H. Neumann-Hensel (Technical University-Hamburg-Harburg; Labor Dr. FINTELMANN and Dr. MEYER)
M. Ricking (FU-Berlin, FB Geoscience)
H. Hollert (University of Heidelberg; Zoology I)
W. Ahlf (Technical University-Hamburg-Harburg)
J-P. Lay (DBU Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt)
K. Terytze (UBA Federal Environmental Protection Agency; Free University of Berlin, Dept. Geoscience)

 

The recommendations presented in this approach use an integrated stepwise approach which unites ecotoxicological, chemical and ecological analysis methods to assess and screen the quality of sediments. For this reason biological methods in combination with the tools of chemical analysis are given priority when examining the quality of the sediment and dredged material to establish adverse effects, to prognosticate the effects of introduced dredged material and potential remediation activities and to document effects on aquatic ecosystems.

The examination patterns that make up the basis for the assessement are set irrespective of the location.

Based on different sediment collection approaches, stepwise analysis of inorganic (trace metals like Hg, Pb, Cd, etc.) and organic compounds (PAH, OCP, PCB) in different phases and toxicological test on multiple trophic stages is recommended.

An integrated package for assessing the ecosystem quality is the final stage.

All analytical and toxicological methods are based on international norms, the quality criteria are exemplified on a national basis, but can be transferred to other countries.