Skip common site navigation and headers
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Water Science
Begin Hierarchical Links EPA Home > Water > Water Science > Contaminated Sediments > Newsletters > Issue #33 January 2003 End Hierarchical Links

 

Contaminated Sediment News

Issue 33 - January 2003

Welcome to the Contaminated Sediments News, a monthly review of recent journal articles, issues in the press, upcoming conferences, and other news. This website will replace the Contaminated Sediments Newsletter, which was published quarterly through the summer of 2000. Items for the CS News are chosen from the results of a detailed search of a number of scientific and technical publication databases, as well as from searches of media publication databases (including newspapers and magazines).

Check back to this site frequently to see each new issue of the Contaminated Sediments News, and visit the CS News Archive to find past issues.

Contents

Note: The summaries found on this website are based on articles from the press and from peer-reviewed publications, and they represent the opinions of the original authors. The views of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.

Current News

Scientists Find Geochemical Fingerprint of World Trade Center Collapse Recorded in New York Harbor Sediments

Dust and debris deposits associated with the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on the World Trade Center have left a distinct fingerprint on the sedimentary record in New York Harbor, scientists have found. Their results appear in the January 21, 2003, issue of the journal EOS, a publication of the American Geophysical Union. This geochemical fingerprint, the researchers believe, may facilitate a better understanding of the short-to-medium term processes that affect the input, dispersal, and fate of particles and contaminants in the lower Hudson River.

For more information, the complete article is located on the website of the National Science Foundation: Office of Legislative and Public Affairs. exit EPA

Summarized Journal Articles

  • Evaluation of time-to-effects as a basis for quantifying the toxicity of contaminated sediments – Sediment tests are conducted with undiluted whole samples because of uncertainties in appropriate dilution procedures and materials. This makes traditional concentration-response approaches impossible to use as approaches to determine the toxic effects of samples eliciting mortality (100 percent effect) using a predetermined time interval (usually 10d). Measuring the time necessary to produce effects (the time-to-effects approach) is an alternative approach that can be used to determine relative toxicity. In this study, the time-to-effects approach was used to determine the toxicity of freshwater sediments to the invertebrates Hyalella azteca and Chironomus tentans. Destructive sampling of replicate test chambers was conducted over the course of a "standard" 10-d assay using five sediments (four test samples and a control sediment). After exposure to the control sediment and a non-toxic test sample the animals demonstrated excellent recovery rates, especially when organisms were small. When exposed to three increasingly toxic test sediments, both H. azteca and C. tentans exhibited a reasonable, typically monotonic, time-to-death relationship. Each of these three tests caused significant mortality by 10 d. These studies reveal that the time-to-effects approach can be used to measure the relative toxicity of contaminated sediments. The time-to-effects approach was a useful as a comparison method to determine the relative toxicity of each of the three samples. The approach was also useful in documenting the reduced toxicity one sample exhibited when storage time was extended.

    Source: DeFoe, D. et al.; Evaluation of time-to-effects as a basis for quantifying the toxicity of contaminated sediments; Chemosphere 51 (1): 1-5, 2003.

  • Recovery of soft sediment communities and habitats following physical disturbance – Disturbances in habitats characterized by soft sediments can be fatal to resident organisms. Methods currently used to determine the impact of disturbances on benthic organisms are costly and time consuming. Such methods require analysis of several samples over time as the disturbed area recovers to control conditions. This study evaluated the effects of two levels of physical disturbance on the plants and animals living in a sheltered sand flat. The goal was to determine the predictability of recovery of the resident organisms based on the habitat's physical characteristics. Recovery time from minor disturbances was found to be complete within 64 days. Habitats experiencing higher intensity disturbances required up to 208 days to recover. The percentage of organic content and sediment granulometry did not significantly affect the outcome of the experiment in either scenario. Observations revealed a decrease in the water depth remaining in the disturbed pits over time and correlated with the community structure's temporal changes. Even though water depth was the crudest physical parameter monitored, it was most helpful in predicting the recovery process of resident organisms and may be an indicator of the other habitat changes that are occurring simultaneously. With further study, quantitative measurements of physical features of soft sediment habitats may be integrated into a cost and time effective method that can be used to determine the recovery time of soft sediment habitats after physical disturbances.

    Source: Dernie, K.M. et al.; Recovery of soft sediment communities and habitats following physical disturbance; Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 285-286: 415-434, 2003.

  • 2-D optical quantification of particle reworking activities in marine surface sediments – Fuanal activities causing particle and solute transport may have a large impact on the speed and manner in which organic matter mineralizes during early diagenesis in surface sediments. A common method of quantifying benthic biological reworking activities uses the calculation of a biodiffusion coefficient (Db) taken from model predictions of 1-dimensional tracer distribution patterns. This method, typically used with measurements taken over several days, averages the overall transport mechanisms from 3-dimensional to 1-dimensional on a centimeter scale, which is costly and time-intensive. This article examines a new technique that relies on nondestructive screening of fluorescent particles (luminophores) with optical discrimination and CCD camera detection of fluorescence (2-dimensional). The optical reworking coefficient (ORC), estimated from the 2-dimensional luminophore distribution patterns, was calculated (ORC=27.4+/-9.1 cm-2 h-1; n=24) at a site with a dense population of the brittle star Amphiura filiformis and a high biodiffusion coefficient (obtained from 1-dimensional distributions; Db=35.5+/-3.7 cm-2 year-1; n=3). This optical detection technique is relative, has a short completion time, and is able to detect small-scale particle movements over short periods of time (minutes or less). This nondestructive 2-dimensional approach to detect particle movement may prove to be a powerful tool in further transport studies of benthic fauna in surface sediments.

    Source: Gilbert, F. et al.; 2-D optical quantification of particle reworking activities in marine surface sediments; Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 285-286: 251-263, 2003.

  • Invertebrate biomarkers: links to toxicosis that predict population decline – Natural population changes may be predicted through the use of biomarker measurements in aquatic invertebrates populations. Laboratory studies have documented the use of biomarkers to provide rapid quantitative predictions of toxicity upon individual organisms. At this time, the use of biomarkers is not a replacement for traditional monitoring techniques, but can be a useful supplementary approach to demonstrate links between sublethal biochemical exposure and decreases noted in field population studies. Future research studies will seek to use biomarker measurements in aquatic invertebrates to predict changes in population size from field measurements taken on individual organisms.

    Source: Hyne, R.V. et al.; Invertebrate biomarkers: links to toxicosis that predict population decline; Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, In Press, 2003.

  • Sampling marine pore waters for Mn, Fe, U, Re, and Mo: modifications on diffusional equilibration thin film gel probes – Pore water metal profiles are key in explaining trace metal geochemical cycling and identifying redox horizons. However, accurate pore water sampling can be difficult. Disturbances at the sediment-water interface and oxidation occurring during sampling are two common causes of inaccurate measurements. Diffusional equilibration in thin films (DET) probes was tested as an alternative method for obtaining pore water profiles in hopes of increasing sample accuracy. This technique may prove especially useful for samples involving redox-sensitive trace metals (U, Re, and Mo) in addition to Mn and Fe, in coastal marine areas. Information gathered from solution equilibration tests and laboratory core incubation experiments indicate that probes in sediment need between 24-48 h to reach equilibration. Control tests were conducted using three methods: slicing, centrifuging, and filtering (in a nitrogen atmosphere). These methods all produced similar results. The experiment conducted tests on two similar gel probe designs. In the first design, the back of each gel probe was attached to PVC wedges. This design facilitated better contact between the probe and sediments and decreased the possibility for channels to form along the probe surface, which allow vertical pore water transport. The second design removed a modified face frame from the front of the probe. This design also increased the contact between sediments and the probe's surface and reduced the possibility of sediment disturbance during insertion. When compared to unmodified probe designs, the probe attached to the PVC wedge measured higher Fe concentrations, but all other metal profile measurements remained similar. The probe with the removed face frame did not record U and Mo concentrations that increased with depth, compared with the 2 out of 3 unmodified probes that did record increasing concentrations. The increasing concentrations may have been caused by irrigating burrows supplying oxygen to reduced sediments, resulting in the oxidization of previously reduced metals. However, the location of irrigating burrows was mixed throughout the sampling area and would be expected to produce similar results in each set of profiles. To gain further insight, the information gathered through sliced/centrifuged profiles and data gathered from probe profiles were compared. Peaks in the Re profiles, that may indicate Re flux to the surrounding waters, were recorded in the sliced/centrifuge profiles but could not be identified in either probe profiles or benthic chamber measurements. The difference may be attributed to variations at the sample site. Another possible hypothesis is that the centrifuge released Re from pore structures, and thus would not be detected by gel probes or benthic chambers, which tend to be less intrusive sampling methods..

    Source: Morford, J. et al.; Sampling marine pore waters for Mn, Fe, U, Re, and Mo: modifications on diffusional equilibration thin film gel probes; Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 285-286: 85-103, 2003.

  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons disrupt axial development in sea urchin embryos through a [beta]-catenin dependent pathway – The developmental toxicity of creosote, a common wood preservative, along with some of its polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) constituents (phenantherene, fluoranthene, fluorine, pyrene, and quinoline) was measured in this experimental system using sea urchin (Lytechinus anemesis) embryos. Experimental data revealed that creosote and PAHs disrupted [beta]-catenin regulation. The effects of the disrupted [beta]-catenin regulation were demonstrated by the axial development and patterning of the embryos. After exposure, the embryos developed into exogastrulae with completely evaginated archentera. Experimental results suggest the EC50 of creosote for complete exogastrulation was 1.57 ppm, while the EC50s of the PAHs ranged from 0.41 ppm (2.0 [mu]M) to 4.33 ppm (33.5 [mu]M). The developmental disruptions of the exogastrulate that developed from embryos exposed to creosote and PAHs were similar to the vegetalization and exogastrulation that result from lithium chloride exposure. High levels of nuclear accumulation of [beta]-catenin by cells of creosote- and PAH-exposed embryos was observed in immunological studies using antibodies against [beta]-catenin, a multi-functional protein key to during embryonic development. Similar results were reported in cell cultures of dissociated embryonic conducted in the presence of these agents. It is possible that [beta]-catenin accumulation is the means by which PAHs affect the different cell types, especially since [beta]-catenin accumulation has also been reported in cancer cell nuclei.

    Source: Pillai, M.C. et al.; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons disrupt axial development in sea urchin embryos through a [beta]-catenin dependent pathway; Toxicology 186 (1-2): 93-108, 2003.

  • Mussel transplantation and biomarkers as useful tools for assessing water quality in the NW Mediterranean – Mussels were used to determine potential impacts of pollutants found in sediments located in the Mediterranean Sea. Mussels from an aquaculture farm in a clean open bay were transplanted to different monitoring stations, which included a reference site in Nice and Cannes (NW Mediterranean) for one month. Several biomarkers were measured in the transplanted mussels, including activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST; exposure to organics), of catalase (exposure to oxidative stress) and of acetylcholinesterase (inhibited by some pesticides) and the lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances: TBARS). The condition index of the mussels and concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were also measured. Results showed seasonal variations in GST and catalase activities with higher levels in June compared to October, and the condition index was also higher in June than in October. According to each station or group of stations' responses, principal component analyses performed with the whole set of data separated the stations or groups of stations according to the different biomarker responses. High TBARS levels and catalase activity characterized the mussels from the Nice harbor in October 1999. In the Cannes harbor, however, animals presented very high copper concentrations and GST activities in June 2000. At the reference site, mussels generally had low enzymatic activities (except AChE activity), peroxidation levels, and low heavy metal concentrations.

    Source: Romeo, M. et al.; Mussel transplantation and biomarkers as useful tools for assessing water quality in the NW Mediterranean; Environmental Pollution 122 (3): 369-378, 2003.

  • Metal concentrations in mussel Crenomytilus grayanus and oyster Crassostrea gigas in relation to contamination of ambient sediments – Coastal habitats of the northwestern Sea of Japan were studied to determine relationships between contaminated sediments and bivalve uptakes of metals because of the broad range of contamination due to urban sewage. Looking at the soft tissues of mussels and oysters and those in ambient sediments, the relationship between Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Ni concentrations was analyzed. In the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, there were significant increases of all metals, except Ni, at concentrations of easily leachable metals in ambient sediments higher than 2, 100, and 800 µg for Cd, Cu, and Zn, respectively. The mussels accumulated Pb with no distinct threshold in Pb contamination of sediments. After two months, C. grayanus that was transplanted from a pristine to a contaminated locality increased in Pb up to 12%, and Cu increased up to 68% of concentrations of these metals in the contaminated local mussels. There was only an increase in Zn and Cd concentrations in the excretory tissue, not in the somatic tissue, or in the soft tissue as a whole. For monitoring of slightly and moderately contaminated localities, such regulation of metal accumulation puts limitations on the use of C. grayanus. The oyster Crassostrea gigas, however, revealed definite accumulation of all metals, except Ni, at moderate contamination of ambient sediments. Increases of Pb, Zn and Cu concentrations in C. gigas slowed as contamination of sediments increased, which might be due to physiological control at very high metal concentrations in oyster soft tissue. Thus, the mussel C. grayanus should function mainly as a monitor of heavy contaminated localities, and the oyster C. gigas should be used as an indicator of low and moderate contamination.

    Source: Shulkin, V.M. et al.; Metal concentrations in mussel Crenomytilus grayanus and oyster Crassostrea gigas in relation to contaminated ambient sediments; Environment International, In Press, 2003.

  • Relationship between bioenergetics responses and organic pollutants in the giant mussel, Choromytilus chorus (Mollusca: Mytilidae) – Along the Chilean coast in spring 1998 and summer 1999, samples of Choromytilus chorus (giant mussel) were collected at three sampling stations exposed to different degrees of pollution. In controlled laboratory conditions, clearance rate, absorption efficiency, and oxygen consumption of the mussels were measured and related to analytical data on organic pollutants in their tissues. Scope for growth (SFG) was used as a physiological index to analyze the stress produced by pollutants existing at each site. Individual mussels from San Vicente bay (highly polluted) showed negative SFG values in spring and summer. These results showed severe stress related to the accumulation of toxic compounds in their tissues. Specimens from Corral bay had a medium level of pollution, while those from Yaldad bay showed low pollution. Results of the study indicate that the SFG of different populations of C. chorus was negatively correlated to the tissue concentrations of organochlorines and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons.

    Source: Toro, B. et al.; Relationship between bioenergetics responses and organic pollutants in the giant mussel, Choromytilus chorus (Mollusca: Mytilidae); Aquatic Toxicology, In Press, 2003.

  • Evaluation of atmospheric transport as a nonpoint source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean – This study evaluated the relationship of air-borne contaminants to water column and sediment uptake of organic pollutants. Coastal marine sediment, air, and seawater samples were collected at six sampling stations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea which are located away from pollutant point sources. The sediment samples were examined in order to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) contents. By evaluating the role of air-sea exchange as PAH non-point source to the marine sediments, PAH contents of gaseous and seawater samples of the study were established. The average concentration of the total PAHs in the sediments ranged from 2.2 to 1056.2 ng g-1 dry weight. Average BC and OC contents varied from 0.3 to 5.6 and from 2.9 to 21.4 mg g-1 dry weight, respectively. [S]PAH concentration in the marine atmosphere ranged from 20.0 to 83.2 ng m-3. Air transport of PAHs to pristine marine sediments in the Eastern Mediterranean was indicated by estimates of that air-water exchange flux. Further, the importance of atmospheric input of PAHs to sediments is also indicated by the significant correlation found between the PAHs and the organic and soot carbon content.

    Source: Tsapakis, M. et al.; Evaluation of atmospheric transport as a nonpoint source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean; Marine Chemistry 80 (4): 283-298, 2003.

  • Instrumental determination of organic carbon in marine sediments – Using a carbon-hydrogen-nitrogen (CHN) analyzer for total carbon content and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) for inorganic carbon (IC) content, a methodology is introduced for the first completely instrumental determination of organic carbon (OC) in marine sediments. No OC standard reference materials currently exist; therefore, this study compared the results for OC from the proposed method with those from more tedious methods, involving wet chemistry. Researchers used the CHN analyzer concurrently with acid extract analyses by an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer to estimate OC concentrations in samples. They also estimated OC with a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) solution analyzer. There was no significant difference found among the proposed method and currently used wet chemistry methods. The results of this study found that the proposed DRIFTS method is cheap, rapid and nondestructive.

    Source: Tung, Joanne Wai Ting, and Peter A. Tanner; Instrumental determination of organic carbon in marine sediments; Marine Chemistry 80 (2-3): 161-170, 2003.

  • Benthic biogeochemistry: state of the art technologies and guidelines for the future of in situ survey – As sediment and water are sampled at the seafloor, brought to the surface, processed, and examined, these elements can potentially be altered-chemically, physically, and biologically. Because of this, in situ observations of relatively undisturbed systems are now the goal of an increasing number of scientists. With the introduction of benthic chambers and in situ micro-electrode profilers that allow for the direct measurement of chemical fluxes between sediment and water at the sea floor and for porewater composition, knowledge of sediment biogeochemistry and exchange fluxes was dramatically changed. Since then, there have been significant breakthroughs in the scientific understanding of benthic biogeochemistry due to the rapid progress in the technology of in situ sensors and benthic chambers (such as the introduction of gel probes, voltammetric electrodes or one- and two-dimensional optodes). This paper is a synthesis of discussions that occurred during the workshop on sediment biogeochemistry at the Benthic Dynamics: In Situ Surveillance of the Sediment-Water Interface international conference (Aberdeen, UK--March 25-29, 2002). This review summarizes existing in situ technologies for the study of benthic biogeochemistry dynamics and related scientific applications. Issues that are examined here include the limitations and possible improvement (e.g., technology coupling) of these technologies and future development of new sensors. The authors also discuss potentially important scientific and technical issues using in situ benthic biogeochemical assessment that lend themselves to further investigation. Some of these issues include greater insight into the mechanisms and on organic matter (OM) mineralization, better models for the understanding of benthic fluxes to reconcile microelectrode and larger-scale chamber measurements, insight into the impacts of redox changes on trace metal behavior, new insights into geochemical reaction pathways in surface sediments, and a better understanding of contaminant fate in nearshore sediments.

    Source: Viollier, E. et al.; Benthic biogeochemistry: state of the art technologies and guidelines for the future of in situ survey; Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 285-286: 5-31, 2003.

  • Bioaccumulation and toxicity of fluoranthene in the estuarine oligochaete Monopylephorus rubroniveus – The impact of UV on the tolerance of the estuarine oligochaete Monopylephorus rubroniveus exposed to fluoranthene was characterized. Using waterborne exposures, the 72-h median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal dose (LD50) were 0.7 (95% CI, 0.4-0.8) µg/L and 8.0 (5.6-9.6) µg/g worm dry weight, respectively, in the presence of UV radiation [UV-A=64.7+/-1.0 µW/cm2 (mean+/-standard deviation)]. In the absence of UV radiation, even at the water solubility limits of fluoranthene, little mortality was detected. Mean bioconcentration factors present in treatments was 10,893+/-2828. Using sediment exposures, little mortality was seen following 10 days at concentrations as high as 3912 µg fluoranthene/g sediment dry weight in both the presence of UV radiation (UV-A=108.4+/-1.3;µW/cm2) and its absence. Bioaccumulation of sediment-associated fluoranthene was relatively high, varying little among the five sediment treatments. The results of this study reveal that M. rubroniveus is (1) sensitive to waterborne fluoranthene in the presence of UV radiation, and (2) highly tolerant of fluoranthene in the presence of sediment, despite the ability to bioaccumulate fluoranthene to comparatively high levels. The results show that those environmental factors that could potentially increase their exposure to UV radiation should be taken into account when assessing the general risk of fluoranthene to M. rubroniveus.

    Source: Weinstein, J.E. et al.; Bioaccumulation and toxicity of fluoranthene in the estuarine oligochaete Monopylephorus rubroniveus; Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, In Press, 2003.

    to top of page

Other Journal Titles of Interest

  • A comparison of two methods for estimating the status of benthic habitat quality in the Virginia Chesapeake Bay. Diaz, Robert J.; G. Randy Cutter, Jr., and Daniel M. Dauer. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 285-286: 371-381, 2003.

  • Benthic biotopes remote sensing using acoustics. Freitas, Rosa, Ana Maria Rodrigues, and Victor Quintino. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 285-286: 339-353, 2003.

  • Assessment of adsorption behavior of dibutyltin (DBT) to clay-rich sediments in comparison to the highly toxic tributyltin (TBT). Hoch, Marion, Jacinto Alonso-Azcarate, and Martin Lischick. Environmental Pollution, In Press.

  • Removal of pyrene from contaminated sediments by mangrove microcosms. Ke, L., W.Q. Wang, Teresa W.Y. Wong, Y. S. Wong, and Nora F.Y. Tam. Chemosphere, In Press.

  • Biogeochemistry of the sediment-water interface in the littoral of an acidic mining lake studied with microsensors and gel-probes. Koschorreck, Matthias, Iris Brookland, and Antje Matthias. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 285-286: 71-84, 2003.

  • Selenium speciation analysis in a sediment using strong anion exchange and reversed phase chromatography coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Ochsenkuhn-Petropoulou, M., B. Kavouras Michalke, and P. Schramel. Analytica Chimica Acta 478 (2): 219-227, 2003.

  • Assessing sediment toxicity and arsenite concentration with bacterial and traditional methods. Petanen, T., M. Lyytikainen, J. Lappalainen, M. Romantschuk, and J.V.K. Kukkonen. Environmental Pollution 122 (3): 407-415, 2003.

  • A rapid procedure for the determination of thorium, uranium, cadmium and molybdenum in small sediment samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: application in Chesapeake Bay. Zheng, Y., B. Weinman, T. Cronin, M.Q. Fleisher, R.F. Anderson. Applied Geochemistry 18 (4): 539-549, 2003.

    to top of page

Upcoming Events and Conferences

  • 13th Annual West Coast Conference on Contaminated Soils, Sediments & Water, San Diego, California. The conference runs from March 17-20. For more information, contact Brenna Bartell at 413-549-5170; e-mail brenna@aehs.com; or visit the website www.aehs.com/conferences/westcoast. exit EPA

  • Environmental Stability of Chemicals in Sediments Workshop. This workshop occurs April 8-10 in San Diego, CA. For more information, contact Susan Vasich at 313-465-7978 or smv@honigman.com; or look at the website: http://www.smwg.org/. exit EPA

  • Coastal Sediments 2003. This conference occurs May 18-23 in Clearwater Beach, FL. Coastal Sediments '03 is a multi-disciplinary international conference convened for researchers and practitioners to discuss science and engineering issues of coastal sediment processes. Visit the website for more information: http://www.coastalsediments.net/.exit EPA

  • 2nd International Symposium on Contaminated Sediments. This conference is May 26-28 in Quebec City, Canada. Conference is subtitled Characterization, Evaluation, Mitigation/Restoration, Management Strategy, and Performance. For more information, contact Helene Tremblay at 418-656-2193; e-mail: SCS2003@ggl.ulaval.ca or visit the conference website. exit EPA

  • In-Situ Contaminated Sediment Capping Workshop. This workshop is from May 12-14 in Cincinnati, OH. A national workshop to review the science, technology and applications of capping at contaminated sediment sites, examine lessons learned, and discuss future directions. For further information, contact Ana Montes, Electrical Power Research Institute (EPRI) at 650-855-2165. Web site: www.epri.com/default.asp and click on Events Calendar.

  • North American Benthological Society's Annual Meeting. This meeting runs from May 27-31 in Athens, GA. Sessions at the conference will present case studies dealing with ecotoxicology and bioassessment. For more information, contact Anne Yount, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, 204 Lumpkin House, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30624. Website: www.benthos.org/Meeting/nabs2003/programschedule.htm. exit EPA

  • In Situ and On-Site Bioremeditation. This conference happens in Orlando, FL, June 2-5. For more information, contact the Conference Group at 800-783-6338 or 614-424-5461; e-mail: info@confgroupinc.com; or see the website: http://www.battelle.org/biosymp. exit EPA

  • International Association for Great Lakes Research Global Threats to Large Lakes: Managing in an Environment of Instability and Unpredictability. The conference occurs June 22-26 in Chicago, IL. For more information, contact Marc Tuchman at the EPA’s Great Lakes National Program Office at 312-353-1369 or email at tuchman.marc@epa.gov.

  • Second International Conference on the Remediation of Contaminated Sediments - The Second International Sediment Remediation Conference will be held in September 30th through October 3rd in Venice, Italy. Organizers say the city is an ideal setting for a conference on this topic because of the sediments remediation efforts being exerted there by the local, regional, and national governments. For more information, contact the Conference Group at 800-783-6338 (U.S. and Canada) or 614-488-2030; e-mail: info@confgroupinc.com; or visit the Sediment Remediation Conference website. exit EPA

  • Contaminated Soils, Sediments, and Water. The conference is from October 20-23 in Amherst, MA. For more information, contact Denise Leonard at 413-545-1239 or info@UMassSoils.com. Web site: www.umasssoils.com. exit EPA

  • SETAC 24th Annual Meeting: Science Without Borders: Developing Solutions for Global Environmental Challenges. This meeting takes place November 8-13 in Austin, TX. This conference supports efforts scientists and engineers to work together to develop solutions to global problems. Topics including the factors influencing bioavailability and sediment chemistry will be addressed. For more information, contact SETAC North America, 1010 North 12th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32501. Phone: 850-469-1500; web site: http://setac.org/austin.html. exit EPA

    to top of page

Websites of Interest

    Sediment Remediation Projects in Great Lakes Areas of Concern This web site provides summaries of several Great Lakes contaminated sediment remediation projects. Summary information includes proposed schedule, amount of sediment removed, and accomplishments to date. http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/aoc/sedimentprojects.html

    Waste To Resource: Beneficial Use of Great Lakes Dredged Material This 16-page full-color booklet answers common questions about Great Lakes dredged material and its use for productive purposes. It includes case studies and a map of different types of beneficial use projects around the Great Lakes. http://www.glc.org/dredging/publications/benuse.pdf exit EPA

    Beneficial Use of Great Lakes Dredged Material: A Report of the Great Lakes Beneficial Use Task Force This 60-page report includes 18 recommendations for advancing beneficial use of dredged material that resulted from the task force's 2-year collaborative effort. The report also includes an overview of selected beneficial use projects, selected dredged material treatment technologies, and a profile of each Great Lakes state's regulatory framework for beneficial use of dredged material.www.glc.org/benuse/Finalreport.pdf exit EPA

    Great Lakes Dredging Team The Great Lakes Dredging Team is a partnership of federal and state agencies created to assure that the dredging of U.S. harbors and channels throughout the Great Lakes, Connecting Channels, and tributaries is conducted in a timely and cost effective manner while meting environmental protection, restoration, and enhancement goals. This web site provides a variety of information on contaminated sediments, dredging, beneficial uses, new technology, and case studies. http://www.glc.org/dredging/sediment/sediment.html exit EPA

    to top of page

 

Wastewater Management | Drinking Water | Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds

 
Begin Site Footer

EPA Home | Privacy and Security Notice | Contact Us