Predicting stress in benthic communities of southeastern U.S. estuaries in relation to chemical contamination of sediments
Journal Article
·
· Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Matching data on sediment contaminants (metals, PAHs, PCBs) and macroinfaunal community structure from 231 subtidal stations in southeastern US estuaries were used to develop a framework for evaluating risks of benthic impacts from multiple-contaminant exposure. Sediment contamination was expressed as the mean ratio of individual contaminant concentrations relative to corresponding sediment quality guidelines, that is, to effects range-median (ERM) values, probable effects level (PEL) values, or an aggregate of the two. The probability of a degraded benthos was relatively low in samples with mean ERM quotients {le}0.020, PEL quotients {le}0.035, or combined ERM/PEL quotients {le}0.024. Only 5% of stations within these ranges had degraded benthic assemblages, while 95% had healthy assemblages. A higher probability of benthic impacts was observed in samples with mean ERM quotients >0.058, PEL quotients >0.096, or ERM/PEL quotients >0.077. Seventy-three to 78% of stations with values in these upper ranges had degraded benthic assemblages, while 22 to 27% had healthy assemblages. Only four stations (three with degraded, one with healthy assemblages) had mean ERM or PEL quotients >1.0, which is the beginning of the range associated with a high probability of mortality in short-term laboratory toxicity tests using amphipods.
- Research Organization:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Charleston, SC (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20012759
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 18; ISSN ETOCDK; ISSN 0730-7268
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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