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Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuarine sediments

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Abstract

Matching biological and chemical data were compiled from numerous modeling, laboratory, and field studies performed in marine and estuarine sediments. Using these data, two guideline values (an effects range-low and an effects range-median) were determined for nine trace metals, total PCBs, two pesticides, 13 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and three classes of PAHs. The two values defined concentration ranges that were: (1) rarely, (2) occasionally, or (3) frequently associated with adverse effects. The values generally agreed within a factor of 3 or less with those developed with the same methods applied to other data and to those developed with other effects-based methods. The incidence of adverse effects was quantified within each of the three concentration ranges as the number of cases in which effects were observed divided by the total number of observations. The incidence of effects increased markedly with increasing concentrations of all of the individual PAHs, the three classes of PAHs, and most of the trace metals. Relatively poor relationships were observed between the incidence of effects and the concentrations of mercury, nickel, total PCB, total DDT and p,p′-DDE. Based upon this evaluation, the approach provided reliable guidelines for use in sediment quality assessments. This method is being used as a basis for developing National sediment quality guidelines for Canada and informal, sediment quality guidelines for Florida.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coastal Monitoring and Bioeffects Assessment Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Bin C15700 7600 Sand Point Way NE, 98115, Seattle, Washington, USA

    Edward R. Long

  2. MacDonald Environmental Sciences, Ltd., 2376 Yellow Point Road, RR#3, VOR 2E0, Ladysmith, British Columbia, Canada

    Donald D. Macdonald

  3. Environment Canada, 351 St. Joseph Blvd., K1A 0H3, Hull, Quebec, Canada

    Sherri L. Smith

  4. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Douglas Bldg, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., 32399, Tallahassee, Florida, USA

    Fred D. Calder

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  1. Edward R. Long
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  2. Donald D. Macdonald
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  4. Fred D. Calder
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Additional information

The methods and guidelines presented in this report do not necessarily represent the policy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Environment Canada, or Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

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Long, E.R., Macdonald, D.D., Smith, S.L. et al. Incidence of adverse biological effects within ranges of chemical concentrations in marine and estuarine sediments. Environmental Management 19, 81–97 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02472006

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