Sediment Quality Values Refinement. Volume 1. 1988 Update and Evaluation of Puget Sound AET (Apparent Effects Threshold)

摘要

The report contains a detailed evaluation of the Apparent Effects Threshold (AET) approach. The AET approach can be used to develop chemical specific sediment quality values. As part of the effort, AET values were generated for Puget Sound, Washington, and applied in a predictive manner to approximately 300 stations. The objective of the investigation was to test the reliability of AET, and potential sediment quality standards based on AET, in predicting adverse biological effects associated with sediment contamination. Of the 201 benthic infauna stations and 287 amphipod bioassay stations evaluated, approximately 75% were in accordance with AET predictions. Approximately 96% of the 50 stations at which oyster larvae and microtox bioassays performed were in accordance with AET predictios. Based on AET for the four biological indicators, Puget Sound maps were produced showing the location of predicted impacts in the estuary. The effort involved the generation and evaluation of AET for 58 metal and organic chemicals.