Bioturbation and contaminant release from sediments
- Louisiana State Univ., Baton Rouge, LA (United States)
Bioturbation is generally considered the most important mechanism for contaminant release from stable sediments. The mode and magnitude of sediment interaction of various benthic organisms, however, differs greatly. The sediment reworking resulting from bioturbation by tubificid deposit feeders and surface-feeding amphipods will be compared and contrasted. The focus is on hydrophobic organic contaminant release rates and depth of influence and how animal size, density and behavior contribute to the observed contaminant dynamics. The effects are evaluated in small laboratory microcosms. The contaminant release from both inoculated and aged, field-contaminated sediments are measured. Oil and grease content is shown to have a significant influence on the organism behavior and the contaminant dynamics.
- OSTI ID:
- 370235
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960376--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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