Potential Color Change Dynamics of Beneficial Use Sediments

Abstract

ABSTRACT Berkowitz, J.F.; VanZomeren, C.M., and Priestas, A.M., 2018. Potential color change dynamics of beneficial use sediments. Sediment color is important in determining aesthetic and habitat suitability for beach nourishment projects; however, sediment derived from dredging operations must meet locally established color compatibility requirements (i.e. cannot be too dark). Often, potential sediment sources are close to meeting specified thresholds, and previous observations suggest that sediments may lighten over time following beach nourishment. This work seeks to characterize the degree of color change potential based on the removal of constituents affecting sediment color. Thus, a sequential chemical treatment was developed to examine color changes associated with the removal of carbonates, organic matter, and iron oxide coatings from sediments collected from eight U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging operations. The results show that Munsell values increased by an average of 1.0 unit (became lig...