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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Canadian sediment quality guidelines and assessment values for priority metals

Conference ·
OSTI ID:197578
Canadian sediment quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life are being developed following methods described in a formal protocol. These guideline derivation methods rely on the spiked-sediment toxicity test approach and the National Status and Trends Program (NSTP) approach, with modifications and also require a review of supporting information such as background concentrations of naturally occurring substances. Canadian sediment quality guidelines have been developed for cadmium and mercury. In addition, the NSTP approach has been used to derive interim sediment quality assessment values for a number of metals and organics. These assessment values provide critical information for the development of sediment quality guidelines for these chemicals and can be used in the evaluation of sediment quality until such time as national sediment quality guidelines are recommended, This paper presents the Canadian sediment quality guidelines for cadmium and mercury and interim sediment quality assessment values for arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc. The applicability of these guidelines and assessment values to the evaluation of Canadian marine and freshwater sediment quality is discussed.
OSTI ID:
197578
Report Number(s):
CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English