A laboratory formulated sediment incorporating synthetic acid volatile sulfide
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
The usefulness of laboratory formulated sediment (LFS) for sediment research applications might be expanded if sediment characteristics other than particle size distribution, organic carbon and pH could be artificially manipulated. This report describes the development of a LFS containing synthetic acid volatile sulfide (AVS). Several formulations were evaluated with respect to their toxicological effects on Hyalella azteca, and their chemical stability and oxidation dynamics in the H. azteca toxicity test system. Optimal amphipod survival was obtained in prepared LFS formulations where the molar cation-to-sulfide ratio was near unity. The synthetic AVS at the surface of the test system oxidized quickly, but was fairly stable for up to 28 days when isolated from air or oxygenated water. AVS analysis of core slices show a clear, dissolved oxygen-diffusion limited oxidation profile. A selected synthetic AVS formulation, as determined by (maximum) H. azteca survival, was evaluated with respect to complexation of copper and nickel, and the corresponding reduction in metal bioavailability. The toxicity of whole sediment and pore water from metal-spiked LFS containing synthetic AVS was evaluated by the 10-d H. azteca toxicity test and the Microtox{reg_sign} bioassay, respectively. As expected, test responses to amended LFS with metal-to-AVS molar ratios less than one were not significantly different than the unspiked, amended LFS. In contrast, amended LFS with metal-to AVS molar ratios greater than one had significant effects on the response of the two test species. Complexation of the metals was confirmed by sediment and pore water chemical analyses. This formulation may provide consistent and controlled substrates with which to investigate metal/sediment chemistry and toxicity, and to develop sediment quality criteria for metals.
- OSTI ID:
- 392370
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9511137--; ISBN 1-880611-03-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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