Author(s)

J. Reed, L. Tolhurst, J. Thain & M. Waldock

Abstract

Assessment of complex contaminant mixtures in sediments and problems for beneficial use. J. Reed, L. Tolhurst, J. Thain & M. Waldock Centre for Environment Fisheries & Aquaculture Science, Burnham-om Crouch, Essex, UK. Abstract Contaminants are present as mixtures in sediments within nearshore environments but are particularly associated with dredged material from historically industrialised areas. Ports, marinas and docks are continuously dredged for navigational purposes and material is usually disposed to sea. Recently, low contaminated dredged material is being considered for beneficial use to restore saltmarsh, recharge rivers and enhance estuarine areas impacted by natural or human activities. Where contaminants occur as mixtures, low levels of contaminants may act in an additive, synergistic or antagonist manner. Investigations of a range of mixture of metals using acute whole sediment bioassays have shown that metal mixtures appear to be less than additive. Nine metal mixtures were tes

Keywords