Past generations of industrial development and chemical production are still very much with us-through contaminants they've left in all phases of the ecosystem. Especially vulnerable to this damage: water. Professionals from various disciplines in environmental sciences are becoming increasingly involved in water quality issues. The Manual of Bioassessment of Aquatic Sediment Quality now provides the most current techniques and methods, in the laboratory and the field, to detect and evaluate aquatic contaminants. Designed to complement the analytical methods presented in the companion volume, Manual of Physico-Chemical Analysis of Aquatic Sediments, the Bioassessment edition offers a comprehensive review of chemical forms, encompassing different elements and compounds in sediments, along with evaluation of their availability to aquatic biota. A discussion about the use of reference materials in sediment analysis also accompanies a review of laboratory safety measures. While greater environmental conscientiousness has led to sustainable industrial development and the recycling of materials, there remains the "hidden need" to remediate contaminated water sources throughout the world-essential to the continued survival of all life. The Manual of Bioassessment of Aquatic Sediment Quality will help environmental professionals ensure the protection of life-supporting streams, lakes and oceans throughout the world.

Because water is one of the most important life-supporting media on the planet, the quality of aquatic ecosystems is of great interest to the entire world population. One of the factors that greatly affects water quality is the condition of the underlying sediment layer. The Manual of Physico-Chemical Analysis of Aquatic Sediments addresses the best methods for quantitative determination of chemical forms of different elements and compounds, bioassessment techniques, and determination of physical properties of sediments. Essential information for surveying, research, and monitoring of sediment contamination is covered. This manual will aid sediment biologists, geochemists, limnologists, regulatory program managers, environmental chemists and toxicologists and environmental consultants in preparing plans for proper remedial action.

This guidebook, now thoroughly updated and revised in its second edition, gives comprehensive advice on the designing and setting up of monitoring programmes for the purpose of providing valid data for water quality assessments in all types of freshwater bodies. It is clearly and concisely written in order to provide the essential information for all agencies and individuals responsible for the water quality.

This document is a compendium of scientifically valid and accepted methods that can be used to assess sediment quality and predict ecological impacts...the intent here is to provide the most useful overall measures or predictors of ecological impacts currently in use rather than procedures that may have limited application outside of a particular regulatory framework... parag The information provided in the compendium on the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different assessment methods can provide assistance in selecting the appropriate methods.

Sediments in aqueous systems are of increasing interest to academics, researchers, practitioners and stakeholders around the world. This book not only covers the characteristics of the sediments themselves, but also their physico-chemical impact on aquatic habitats and subsequent management implications. There is a strong focus on methods and instrumentation for collecting data and monitoring of environmental sediment quality and as a result, a wide range of environments are considered - from urban areas to freshwater estuaries and marine ecosystems. The chapters have been written by international specialists in the field, ensuring a good breadth of examples, experiences and case studies throughout. This book will appeal to a broad spectrum of interests from geographers, to engineers and environmental scientists, and at undergraduate to post graduate and academic researcher levels.

Sediment contamination is a widespread environmental problem that can potentially pose a threat to a variety of aquatic ecosystems. The sediment test methods in this manual will be used by The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to make decisions under a range of statutory authorities concerning such issues as: dredged material disposal, registration of pesticides and toxic substances, superfound site assessment, and assessment and cleanup of hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities. The use of uniform sediment testing procedures by USEPA programs is expected to increase data accuracy and precision, facilitate test replication, increase the comparative value of test results, and ultimately, increase the efficiency of regulatory processes requiring sediment tests.