Integrative assessment of sediment quality in terms of chemical contamination in Jinhae Bay, South Korea

Abstract

The assessment of sediment quality by considering chemical contaminants is required for the effective management of coastal environments. In this study, complex data sets of heavy metals and organic pollutants were integrated to evaluate sediment quality. Thirty-two target pollutants were quantitatively determined in surface sediments from 80 stations in Jinhae Bay, South Korea. A sediment quality index (SQI) was derived by combining the functions of “scope” (the number of variables that do not meet guideline objectives) and “amplitude” (the magnitude by which these variables exceed the guideline objective). The SQI reflects the spatial gradient and differences in the contamination status with regard to heavy metals and organic pollutants in Jinhae Bay. Fifty-nine out of eighty stations surveyed (74%) were classified as being in “excellent” or “good” condition according to the SQI, and no stations were in a “poor” condition. The mean sediment quality guideline quotient (mSGQq) ranged from 0.06 to 0.31 (from nontoxic to marginally toxic). Acute sediment toxicity leading to amphipod mortality was recorded at 17 stations (21%) of the 80 surveyed, where the mortality rate was slightly over 20%. No significant relationship was observed between sediment toxicity and the concentration of each toxicant or mSQGq.