Use of a freshwater sediment quality database in an evaluation of sediment quality criteria based on equilibrium partitioning and screening‐level concentrations

Abstract

AbstractA sediment quality database was developed for sediments from the Great Lakes and surrounding watersheds. Database file structure was based on commercially available database‐management software and is relational in nature Database inputs include sample identification information, whole‐sediment and pore‐water chemical data, benthic macroinvertebrate species abundances, toxicity test results, and, when available, organism‐specific chemical residue data. The database functions as both a laboratory data archival system and as a source of information on the fate and effects of contaminants in freshwater sediments. Database information was used to evaluate two alternative methods for developing sediment quality criteria for dieldrin, endrin, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene. Sediment quality criteria developed by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency based on equilibrium partitioning theory were compared to sediment quality criteria or guidelines based on screening‐level concentrations calculated by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and from the database developed in this study. Data from the sediment quality database were also used to determine the frequency with which sediment quality criteria were exceeded in recently (<20 years) collected sediment samples. Excesses beyond the proposed equilibrium partitioning‐derived sediment quality criteria were observed in less than 10% of the samples in the database for which chemical concentrations of dieldrin, endrin, acenaphthene, fluoranthene, and phenanthrene were available. Based on the results of this study, sediment quality criteria based on equilibrium partitioning theory and final chronic water‐quality criteria are consistent with sediment quality criteria based on screening‐level concentrations determined from field samples.