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PublicationsResearch on Contaminated Sediments
ORD/NCER STAR GRANTS
Introduction The research projects described below are funded by NCER grants. For ease of understanding, all grants have been placed under topic areas that describe the overall, general objectives of the projects. Specific information is given for each grant that includes: title, web address, EPA grant number, principal investigator(s), institution (university), NCER project officer, dates during which the grant is funded, and a brief description of the research. Science Questions and Issues that NCER Is
Addressing Related to Contaminated Sediments • Can We Predict the Fate and Transport
of Contaminants in Sediments? Other Research on Contaminated Sediments NCER RESEARCH ON CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS CAN WE PREDICT THE FATE AND TRANSPORT OF CONTAMINANTS IN SEDIMENTS? Contaminated Sediments The general purpose of the research is to understand and predict the transport and fate of sediments and hydrophobic organic chemicals (HOCs) in surface waters for a range of environmental conditions. Specific emphases are the transport and fate of HOCs due to resuspension of bottom sediments, especially during severe events; the biological, chemical, and physical factors controlling this resuspension; and the biogeochemical partitioning of HOCs between sediments, water, and biota in order to better predict the bioavailability of contaminants and the subsequent interactions between contaminants and biota. Particle Transport and Deposit Morphology at the Sediment/Water
Interface This work is designed to test the hypothesis that the morphology of fine-grained sediments deposited at the sediment/water interface may be predicted from the particle transport and surface chemistry of these particles in the overlying suspension. This research concentrates on advancing our understanding of depositional mechanisms and understanding how contaminants partition into suspended, colloidal, and dissolved fractions as well as how this partitioning affects their fate and transport to and from sediments. Anaerobic Biodegradation of 2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene and other
Nitroaromatic Compounds by Clostridium Acetobutylicum The purpose of this project is to investigate the anaerobic biotransformation
of TNT and other Papers/Presentations: T. A. Khan, R. Bhadra, and Hughes, J. B., "Transformation of TNT and Related Nitroaromatics by Clostridium acetobutylicum," Journal of Industrial Microbiology – accepted. T. A. Khan (1996), "Transformation of TNT and Related Nitroaromatics by Clostridium acetobutylicum," M. S. Thesis. Rice University Pucik, L. (1996) "The Fate of TNT Reduction Products in Aerobic Microbial Systems," M. S. Thesis. Rice University Sediment Resuspension and Contaminant Transport in an Estuary The purpose of the proposed project is to better understand the physical, chemical, and sedimentary mechanisms and processes responsible for the fate and transport of cohesive sediment-related contaminants in estuaries. First-year results include progress on the formulation of an empirical model for erosion and sediment transport and the development of simplified analytical procedures for sample analyses. Work has been initiated on a model to represent the coupling of sediment resuspension and trace substance transport. Pollutant Fluxes to Aquatic Systems via Coupled Biological and
Physicochemical Bed-Sediment Processes An experimental program evaluating the fate and transport processes of polyaromatic hydrocarbons during bioturbation is described. The primary focus is a common and active bioturbator, Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri, which is a conveyor belt deposit feeder processing at least 10-20 times its weight (dry weight basis) in sediment per day. Source Identification, Transformation, and Transport Processes
of N-, O-, and S- Containing Organic Chemicals in Wetland and Upland
Sediments This study examines the effects of hydrology on wetland sediment biogeochemical properties as they pertain to the fates of aromatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and N-, O-, and S-heterocycles (NOSHs). The analytes examined so far in tidal microcosms (20 gallon) include naphthalene, quinoxaline, acridine, benzothiazole, dibenzothiophene, phenothiazine, and phenazine which are found in pyrogenic and fossil hydrocarbon mixtures. Mobilization and Fate of Inorganic Contaminants Due to Resuspension
of Cohesive Sediment This research is a study of the mobilization and fate of inorganic contaminants that are re-suspended on cohesive sediments in rivers and estuaries during storm events or dredging activities. Information from bench-scale, flume, and column experiments will be utilized to develop a model of metal mobilization coupled with a sediment resuspension relationship in a numerical transport model. Nearly one hundred experiments related to sorption of copper onto kaolinite in the presence and absence of adsorbed humic material have been completed. Biogeochemical Control of Heavy Metal Speciation and Bioavailability
in Contaminated Marine Sediments The proposed work will examine the role of dissolved and colloidal organic matter on metal speciation and bioavailability in marine sediments. Speciation will be measured at two contaminated locations in New Bedford Harbor, and at a comparison "clean" location in Buzzards Bay. Observations will be made over multiple seasons to observe temporal and spatial variability. Papers and Publications: Langworthy, D.E., Stapleton, R., Sayler, G.S., and Findlay, R.H. Lipid analysis of a microbial community to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination (to be submitted to Microbial Ecology; manuscript available) Evaluation of Physical-Chemical Methods for Rapid Assessment
of the Bioavailability of Moderately Polar Compounds in Sediments The transport of contaminants across synthetic membranes and immunoassay methods will be evaluated as means for assessing the bioavailability of moderately polar contaminants in sediments. Bioavailability of Desorption-Resistant Hydrocarbons in Sediment-Water
Systems The proposed research is directed toward understanding and explaining
the observed increased Controls on Metal Partitioning in Contaminated Sediments The researchers are continuing studies, using various microcosm
experiments, to investigate Trace Metal Dynamics in Reducing Aquatic Sediments: Determination
of Adsorption and Coprecipitation on Undisturbed Sediment Core Sections
Using a Plug-Through Reactor Whole-sediment adsorption coefficients of Cu, Cd, Co, Ni, As, Sb
and Mo, as well as rates of WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS ON AQUATIC FAUNA? 1999 Progress Report: Validation of Sediment Quality Criteria
in Southeastern Estuaries The overall purpose of this research is to evaluate the relationship between sediment pore-water parameters and biological responses (benthic community integrity, toxicity, and bioaccumulation studies with infaunal and epifaunal bivalves) for metal contaminated sediments. On the basis of the model, little or no bioaccumulation of, or toxicity from, divalent metals would be expected at any of the sites. However, significantly higher metal concentrations were frequently observed in oysters deployed at contaminated sites. This trend occurred less often with clams. Publications/Presentations: Meiofaunal Validation of EqP-Based Sediment Quality Criteria
for Metal Mixtures in Estuarine Sediments: Population to Community-Level
Culturing Studies of Biogeochemical Controls on Bioavailability
and Toxicity In this study, newly-developed meiobenthic single-species, full life-cycle bioassays, and microcosms containing known mixed-species, meiofauna assemblages, will be used to test the protectiveness of Equilibrium Partitioning-based (EqP) sediment quality criteria (SQC) for mixed-element exposures of five metals: Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn. Additionally, tagged benthic copepods (Amphiascus tenuiremis) will be used in each microcosm experiment as an internal control to allow measurement of exact, rather than relative, population growth/dynamics. Progress Report: Trophic Transfer of Atmospheric and Sedimentary
Contaminants into Great Lakes Fish: Controls on Ecosystem-Scale
Response Times The purpose of this study is to quantify the absolute and relative magnitudes of PCB transfers into the Great Lakes fisheries from three exposure routes: atmospheric deposition transferred through the pelagic food web; atmospheric deposition transferred through the benthic food web; and transfer from historically contaminated, in-place sediments through the benthic food web. This is being accomplished by using stable isotopes and PCBs as tracers of carbon and bioaccumulative contaminants, respectively, through the water column and food web of Grand Traverse Bay. Results show that PCB levels in forage fish undergo seasonal variations that are apparently driven by different processes. In addition, PCB and PAH levels and net accumulation rates in the sediments of Grand Traverse Bay have decreased during the past two decades. NOTE: See web site for list of numerous publications related to this research. 1999 Progress Report: Sediment Contaminant Effects on Genetic
Diversity: New Approaches Using DNA Analysis of Meiobenthos The objective of this research project is to develop a population-genetics
level bioassay that is more sensitive and more relevant to long-term
benthic community protection than current Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) acute, chronic, and subchronic toxicity test standards.
Publications/Presentations: Schizas NV, Street GT, Coull BC, Chandler GT, Quattro JM. Molecular population structure of the benthic copepod Microarthridion littorale along the Southeastern and Gulf coasts of the United States. Marine Biology 1999;13:399-405. Kovatch CC, Schizas NV, Chandler GT, Coull BC, Quattro JM. Tolerance and genetic relatedness of three meiobenthic copepod populations exposed to sediment-associated contaminant mixtures: role of environmental history. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (in press). Schizas NV, Coull BC, Chandler GT, Quattro JM. Maintenance of distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages in sympatry in copepod inhabiting estuarine creeks in the southeastern USA. Evolution (in review). Schizas NV, Chandler GT, Coull BC, Klosterhaus SL, Quattro JM. Differential survival of three mitochondrial lineages of a marine benthic copepod exposed to a pesticide mixture. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (in preparation). Schizas NV, Coull BC, Chandler GT, Quattro JM. Population genetics of a benthic copepod. Presented at the Crustacean Society Meeting, Lafayette, LA, 1999. Schizas NV, Coull BC, Chandler GT, Quattro JM. Ecological genetics of a benthic copepod inhabiting contaminated and clean sediments. Presented to the Society for the Study of Evolution, Madison, WI, 1999. Staton JL, Coull BC, Woodley CM, Quattro JM. Isolation of the GABA receptor locus of harpacticoid copepods for assessment of pesticide impact in estuarine environments. Presented at the Crustacean Society Meeting, Lafayette, LA, 1999. Schizas NV, Coull BC, Chandler GT, Quattro JM. Ecological genetics of a benthic copepod inhabiting contaminated and clean sediments. Presented at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 20th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 1999. Staton JL, Woodley CM, Quattro JM, Chandler GT, Coull BC. Isolation of the GABA-receptor locus of harpacticoid copepods for assessment of pesticide impact on estuaries. Presented at the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 20th Annual Meeting, Philadelphia, PA, 1999. Digestive Solubilization of Sediment-Sorbed Contaminants: A
Comparison of In Vitro and In Vivo Processes The goal of the proposed work is to contrast in vitro digestive fluid solubilization with in vivo digestive processes: bioavailability and bioaccumulation. The in vitro technique allows the researchers to answer mechanistic questions by manipulating sediment or digestive fluid characteristics in ways that would not be possible in vivo, but first there is a need to establish that in vitro solubilization provides meaningful information in the context of the whole animal's accumulation of sediment-sorbed contaminants. The researchers then intend to expand the research to examine its generality to multiple species and varied substrate types. 1999 Progress Report: Phylogenetic Analysis of Microbial Communities
in Contaminated Nearshore Marine Sediments The primary objective of our research is to develop and test protocols for performing "large-scale" analyses on the composition of the microbial communities in nearshore marine sediments from Puget Sound, WA, and other marine sites around the United States. We successfully developed the required steps of our protocols that will enable us to perform the analysis of microbial communities in contaminated marine sediments without culturing the microorganisms. Publications/Presentations: Herwig RP, McLarnan JL. Phylogenetic analysis of microbial communities In creosote-contaminated marine sediments. Presented at the American Society for Microbiology Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL, 1999. Fellowship - Effects of Protozoan Epibionts on Harpacticoid
Copepods in a Louisiana Salt Marsh This study will determine the impact of ciliate epibionts on harpacticoid copepod grazing, energy reserves, and sensitivity to environmental contaminants. IS PARTICLE SIZE IMPORTANT IN PREDICTING ECOSYSTEM RISK FROM CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS? The Particle Size Distribution of Toxicity in Metal-Contaminated
Sediments The overall objective is to determine whether the prediction of ecosystem risk can be significantly improved by applying current test methods for metal-contaminated sediments to size-fractionated sediments. A unique aspect of the work is the application of new, size separation (SPLITT fractionation) and analysis (single particle counting) methods to metal-contaminated sediments. By performing toxicity tests on SPLITT fractions we can directly examine the influence of particle size on toxicity of fine-grained sediments. CAN WE DEVELOP MODELS TO ESTIMATE EMISSIONS FROM CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS AND DREDGED MATERIALS? A Modeling and Experimental Investigation of Metal Release from
Contaminated Sediments: The Effects of Metal Sulfide Oxidation and
Resuspension The objective of this research project is to construct and validate a mechanistically realistic model of the release of cadmium, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc from contaminated sediments. The model is intended to be used in conjunction with water column fate and transport models and to be compatible with sediment quality criteria based on simultaneously extracted metals and acid volatile sulfide concentrations in sediments as well as interstitial water toxic units. Assessment and Control of Arsenic Mobility in Contaminated Sediments This research will evaluate the potential for arsenic release from reservoir sediments in the Los Angeles aqueduct system. Desorption of Nonpolar Organic Pollutants from Historically
Contaminated Sediments and Dredged Materials The overall objective of this research has been to explain what
causes the desorption of chemicals in sediments to be resistant
and to understand the consequences with respect to sediment clean-up.
Numerous compounds of widely different physical-chemical properties
have Modelling Air Emissions of Organic Compounds from Contaminated
Sediments and Dredged Materials The purpose of this project is to obtain experimental data on the emission of organic compounds and metals from contaminated sediments from various locales in order to test and validate theoretical models. Experiments will be conducted to evaluate emissions from contaminated sediments and confined disposal facilities, and the emissions resulting from suspended sediment plumes arising during dredging and disposal of contaminated sediments. This information coupled with an appropriate area source air dispersion model will yield the concentrations of these chemicals for purposes of exposure assessment for humans and other segments of the ecosystem towards these substances. The primary aim of this project is to obtain realistic and experimentally verified mathematical models to estimate emissions of toxics to air from contaminated sediments and dredged materials. Presentations: K T Valsaraj, L J Thibodeaux, D D Reible, C B Price, J M Brannon and T E Myers: "The effects of moisture and sorption on the flux of organic compounds from contaminated sediments and dredged materials". Paper accepted for presentation at the 70th Colloid and Surface Science Symposium held by ACS at Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY on June 16-19, 1996. K T Valsaraj, L J Thibodeaux, D D Reible, J M Brannon, T E Myers and C B Price: "Volatile chemical emissions from contaminated dredged materials: Laboratory measurements and models" Paper accepted for presentation at the 89th annual meeting of the Air and Waste Management Association to be held in Nashville, TN, June 23-28, 1996. K T Valsaraj, L J Thibodeaux, D D Reible and J M Brannon: "Modelling air emissions from contaminated dredged materials". Paper presented at the 21st Annual RREL Research Symposium of EPA held in Cincinnati, OH, April 4-6, 1995. K T Valsaraj, L J Thibodeaux and D D Reible: "Modelling air emissions from contaminated sediment dredged materials". Paper presented at the ASTM symposium on Dredging, Remediation and Containment of Contaminated Sediments, Montreal, Canada on June 23-24, 1994. Publications: K T Valsaraj, R Ravikrishna, D D Reible, L J Thibodeaux, C B Price, J M Brannon and T E Myers: "Air emissions from contaminated sediments and dredged materials. Journal of Hazardous Materials (In press). WHAT METHODS CAN WE USE TO ASSESS SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION? 1999 Progress Report: Sediment Contamination Methods: Validation
of Standardized and Novel Approaches This multi-phase study has evaluated the validity of various approaches
for assessing sediment contamination, while identifying controlling
factors, strengths, and limitations of each. Actual exposures are
being defined and comparisons made between laboratory and in situ
exposures. Physicochemical profiles are being compared with biological
responses and will be compared Publications/Presentations: Greenberg MC, Rowland GA, Burton C, Hickey W, Stubblefield W, Clements W, Landrum P. Isolating individual stressor effects at sites with contaminated sediments and waters. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Charlotte, NC, 1998 (invited). Lavoie DR, Burton GA, Jr. The use of hydra (Hydra attenuata) and bryozoans (Lophopodella carteri) in aquatic ecotoxicology. Abstract. Regional Annual Meeting of the Ohio Valley Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Dayton, OH, 1998. Brooker JA, Burton GA, Jr. In situ exposures of asiatic clams (Corbicula fluminea) and mayflies (Hexagenia limbata) to assess the effects of point and nonpoint source pollution. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Charlotte, NC, 1998. Lavoie DR, Burton GA, Jr. The effects on temperature on the sensitivity of two novel test species Hydra attenuata and Lophopodella carteri: in situ and laboratory studies. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Europe Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Leipzig, Germany, 1999. Nordstrom JF, Burton GA, Jr., Greenberg MS, Moore LA, Rowland CD. A novel stressor identification method for pore water and sediment. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Philadelphia, PA, No. PWA197, 1999. Burton GA, Jr., Nordstrom JF, Rowland CD, Greenberg MS, Lavoie DR, Fox L. Teasing out primary stressors in aquatic systems using various stressor identification evaluation chambers. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Philadelphia, PA, 1999. Greenberg MS, Burton GA. Evaluation of the role of groundwater upwelling in the toxicity of contaminated sediments. Abstract. Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Philadephia, PA, No. 552, 1999. 1999 Progress Report: Application of Sediment Quality Criteria
for Metals to a Montane Lotic Ecosystem: Field Validation During
Reclamation of a Copper Mine Causing Acid Mine Drainage We are testing whether a method for deriving sediment quality guidelines for metals, recently proposed by the U.S. EPA and developed primarily in lowland rivers, lakes, and estuaries, can be applied to the relatively dynamic and heterogeneous hydrological and biogeochemical conditions typical of high-elevation Rocky Mountain streams receiving acid mine drainage. Our study stream is Haggarty Creek, which originates at the Continental Divide in Carbon County, Wyoming that confluence with a copper-laden effluent from the Rudefeha Mine. Publications/Presentations: 1998 Progress Report: Site-specific Validation of a Chronic
Toxicity Test with the Amphipod Hyalella azteca: An Integrated Study
of Heavy Metal Contaminated Sediments in Peak Creek, Virginia We are measuring the degree of correspondence between endpoints in chronic toxicity tests with the amphipod, Hyalella azteca, and a series of in situ macrobenthic community endpoints, starting with endpoints most similar to those monitored in the laboratory test, then expanding to include community level endpoints that represent the most developed methods for characterizing ecological condition in streams. The first chronic toxicity test with Hyalella azteca has been completed and another is in progress. CAN WE REMEDIATE CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS? Bioremediation of Sediments Contaminated with Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons This project on sediment bioremediation is intended to bridge the gap between existing knowledge on the metabolism of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, which is already abundant and adequate, and the practical requirements for implementing bioremediation processes in the field. The results of sediment-free experiments showed that fluoranthene was not degraded when it was the sole source of carbon, while naphthalene and acenaphthene were readily degraded. Co-oxidation was observed in fluoranthene and naphthalene mixtures. Fluoranthene was not degraded when present in a mixture of fluoranthene and acenaphthene. NOTE: See web site for numerous publications related to this research. Interactive Roles of Microbial and Spartina Populations in Mercury
Methylation Processes in Bioremediation of Contaminated Sediments
in Salt-Marsh Systems The proposed research is focused on the development and assessment of remediation methodologies for mercury methylation/demethylation processes in contaminated sediments to provide a scientific basis for (I) defining risk and exposure potentials and (ii) providing a basis for evaluation of sediment-remediation practices for mercury-contaminated sediments. Enhanced Microbial Dechlorination of PCBS and Dioxins in Contaminated
Dredge Spoils The goal of the current project is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of a microbial technology for remediation of sediments contaminated with mixtures of PCBS, dioxins and chlorinated pesticides. The focus is on identifying environmental conditions and amendments that can initiate dechlorination by indigenous microbial communities. We have demonstrated that the dechlorination of PCBS and dioxins in the estuarine sediments of the NY/NJ Harbor can be stimulated by addition of additives. Bioremediation of Sediments Contaminated with Polynuclear Aromatic
Hydrocarbons This project focuses on requirements for application of bioremediation technology to clean up polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-contaminated sediments. Specific areas of research include: the extent of treatment possible with highly contaminated, aged sediments (the bioavailablity issue), the microbial and physical-chemical parameters that control degradation of high molecular weight PAHs, optimization of slurry reactor performance with respect to rates and extent of contaminant biodegradation, and methods of reducing volatilization during reactor operation. Studies were conducted to determine the effect of mixtures of PAHs on the degradation of high molecular weight PAHs in systems with and without sediments. Assessment and Control of Air Pollution From Contaminated Sediment
Dredged Materials The primary objective of this proposal is to assess the potential for volatilization of pollutants and the mitigation of the same from a confined disposal facility. Mathematical models proposed for this purpose will be tested through lab-scale work to understand the presence of oil and grease on contaminant availability for desorption, the effects of sediment ageing on irreversibility in desorption to air, the effects of surface cracking, the effects of relative humidity on the sediment/air partitioning, and the effects of capping with an uncontaminated sediment on air emissions. Evaluation of Placement and Effectiveness of Sediment Caps Sediment capping is a promising means of isolating contaminants from benthic organisms. The objective of the project is to evaluate and develop cap placement techniques and tools, including models, to assess their placement and consolidation. In the first year of the project a model was developed to describe contaminant losses in a cap during and after placement. Also see: http://www.hsrc.org/capping/
Fellowship - Lipid Analysis of the Response of A Microbial Community
to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons This study examines the phenotypic and genotypic responses of the
Little Scioto River sedimentary microbial community to polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination. So that we may understand
how microbial communities respond and alleviate pollutant stress,
determining PAH concentration, PAH degradative potential, microbial
community structure and Other Research on Contaminated Sediments EPA Office of Water's Contaminated Sediments program EPA ORD's National Exposure Research Laboratory, Ecological Exposure
Division, Ecosystems Research Branch EPA ORD's National Center for Environmental Assessment EPA ORD's National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Land Remediation
and Pollution Control Division
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