Assessing sediment quality in heterogeneous environments: a case study of a small urban harbor in lake champlain, vermont, USA

摘要

Relatively few case studies have been conducted demonstrating the utility of multiple endpoint approaches to sediment quality assessment in areas with moderate contaminant levels and heterogeneous conditions. Because variability is commonplace in natural systems, assessment approaches must be designed explicitly for these conditions. In an assessment of highly heterogeneous freshwater sediments in Lake Champlain, Vermont, USA, we measured multiple endpoints, including physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment, acute and chronic toxicity in three tests (Ceriodaphnia dubia, Chironomus tentans, and Pimephales promelas), and benthic community composition, at 19 sites throughout Inner Burlington Harbor.