A tiered, weight-of-evidence approach for evaluating aquatic ecosystems

Burton, G.A.; Rowland, Carolyn D.; Greenberg, Marc S.; Lavoie, Derrick R.; Nordström, Jonas; Eggert, Lisa M.F.

doi:10.14321/j.ctt13x0p28.6

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…The wide ranging chemically and biologically based methods for assessing when sediments are substantially contaminated have been reviewed elsewhere [5][6][7][8]13]. These useful approaches each have their own unique strengths and limitations [1].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A comparison of multiple assessment methods (lines-of-evidence) at several sites with metal and organic contaminants, showed accuracy rates ranged from 50 to 60% [40]. This suggests that no one method is adequate and points toward the use of multiple methods to best characterize whether or not sediments are significantly contaminated and the aquatic ecosystem is impaired [1,8].…”

Section: Assessment Methods and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Determining the impact of sediments on an ecosystem requires more than asking whether sediment quality guidelines (e.g., probable no-effect concentrations) are exceeded, whether a chemical-specific (or sediment mass) clean-up goal is met, or whether sediment toxicity exists [1,4]. Accurate assessments of ecosystem and sediment quality integrate multiple methods, each with their strengths and limitations [1,[5][6][7][8][9][10]. Even when a weight-ofevidence (WoE)-based environmental quality assessment has been conducted using multiple lines-of-evidence, study designs are often disjointed and do not produce powerful tests of stressor causality [8,11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Many comprehensive publications and reviews have addressed sediment quality and benthic community health, most of which focus on sediment quality guidelines and WoE-based approaches [1,5,[6][7][8]13]. Research and regulatory activities dealing with contaminated sediments have been primarily directed towards chemical contamination and a single exposure route (bedded sediments), rather than suspended solids, resuspended sediments, food, pulse events, or effects in the context of nonchemical stressors.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Accurate assessments of ecosystem and sediment quality integrate multiple methods, each with their strengths and limitations [1,[5][6][7][8][9][10]. Even when a weight-ofevidence (WoE)-based environmental quality assessment has been conducted using multiple lines-of-evidence, study designs are often disjointed and do not produce powerful tests of stressor causality [8,11]. For example, sampling for physicochemistry of sediments and water, benthic communities, and toxicity is not done simultaneously, from the same sample or at the same time, nor are high-flow/storm events considered.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Assessing contaminated sediments in the context of multiple stressors

Burton

Johnston

2010

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

145

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Abstract-Sediments have a major role in ecosystem functioning but can also act as physical or chemical stressors. Anthropogenic activities may change the chemical constituency of sediments and the rate, frequency, and extent of sediment transport, deposition, and resuspension. The importance of sediments as stressors will depend on site ecosystem attributes and the magnitude and preponderance of co-occurring stressors. Contaminants are usually of greater ecological consequence in human-modified, depositional environments, where other anthropogenic stressors often co-occur. Risk assessments and restoration strategies should better consider the role of chemical contamination in the context of multiple stressors. There have been numerous advances in the temporal and spatial characterization of stressor exposures and quantification of biological responses. Contaminated sediments causing biological impairment tend to be patchy, whereas more pervasive anthropogenic stressors, such as alterations to habitat and flow, physical disturbance, and nutrient addition, may drive large-scale ecosystem responses. A systematic assessment of relevant ecosystem attributes and reference conditions can assist in understanding the importance of sediments in the context of other stressors. Experimental manipulations then allow for the controlled study of dominant stressors and the establishment of causal links. This approach will result in more effective management of watersheds and waterways. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:262529: -264329: . # 2010

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Assessment Methods and Limitationsmentioning

confidence: 99%