RESUSPENDED SEDIMENT EFFECTS IN AQUATIC ENVIRONMENTS FROM DREDGING OPERATIONS

摘要

A literature review was conducted to summarize available data on effects to aquatic organisms from resuspended sediments encountered during dredging operations. Typical concentrations of suspended sediments resulting from various dredging methods were summarized for comparison to documented effects. Physiological effects resulting from contact with elevated levels of non-contaminated suspended materials were evaluated separately from toxicological responses due to chemical exposure from contaminated suspended materials. The results of this evaluation showed that, in general, most organisms were not affected by resuspended non-contaminated sediments at levels typically encountered during dredging operations. However, exposure to resuspended contaminated sediments may pose a potential adverse impact to aquatic organisms depending on the nature and magnitude of the contaminant. In these instances, additional site-specific data would be needed to assess the level of risk associated with resuspended sediments.