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.

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.

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.

In aquatic ecosystems, the oligochaetes are often a major component of the community. Their relevance in sediment quality assessment is largely related to their benthic and detritivorous life habit. In this book, we aim to present the state of the art of Pollution Biology using oligochaete worms in laboratory and field studies. Future research will require the combination of a variety of methodological approaches and the integration of the resulting information, avoiding fragmented and often conflicting visions of the relationships of the species with their environment. Current approaches to ecotoxicology and bioaccumulation using ecological risk assessment provide the opportunity to relate community studies with probability of effects. This book addresses three main themes: Ecological and Field Studies using the composition and structure of oligochaete communities, Toxicology and Laboratory Studies, and Bioaccumulation and Trophic Transfer Studies. Two appendices list values of toxicological parameters (LC50, EC50) and several bioaccumulation variables (bioaccumulation factors, biological half-life, toxicokinetic coefficients, and critical body residues) for different oligochaete species. Additional information is provided on Methodological Issues and on the Taxonomy of several oligochaete families, with information on the most recent taxonomic debates. Each chapter includes a critical view, based on the authors’ experience, of a number of current issues which have been raised in the literature.

Contaminated sediments represent an ongoing threat to the health of aquatic ecosystems. The assessment of sediment quality is, therefore, an important concern for environmental regulators. Sediment quality guidelines are now well established in regulatory frameworks worldwide; however, practical guidance that covers all of the key aspects of sediment quality assessment is not readily available. In 2005, CSIRO published its highly cited Handbook for Sediment Quality Assessment. In the ensuing period, the science has advanced considerably. This practical guide is a revised and much expanded second edition, which will be a valuable tool for environmental practitioners. Written by experts in the field, it provides coverage of: sediment sampling; sample preparation; chemical analysis; ecotoxicology; bioaccumulation; biomarkers; and ecological assessment. In addition, detailed appendices describe protocols for many of the tests to be used.