The primary objective of this literature review is to provide the British Columbia Acid Mine Drainage
Task Force with information and guidance on sediment contamination issues. The review focuses on
assessment of sediment quality through sediment chemistry, bioassay testing and benthic
macroinvertebrate community structure. Analytical methods for sediment chemistry are reviewed and
summarized. Sampling devices, design, handling and preparation are evaluated with respect to sediment
toxicity testing. Freshwater sediment bioassays with bacteria, alga, invertebrates and fish are reviewed;
acute, sublethal, and chronic (= life cycle) endpoints are discussed. Application of several bioassays in
a multitrophic or battery approach is recommended. The utility of benthic macroinvertebrate community
structure and function as measures of sediment quality is discussed. Sampling methods and design are
reviewed;-natural substrate sampling is recommended over artificial substrates. Recommendations are
made for sorting, taxonomic identification and statistical analysis of benthic infauna data sets. This review
stresses the importance of quality assurance/quality control (QNQC) in sampling, sample handling,
chemical analysis, bioassay testing and taxonomic analyses. Finally, guidelines for sediment chemistry,
bioassay testing (test battery) and benthic macroinvertebrate community assessment are provided; an
interpretive framework (The Triad) is suggested which will effectively combine the information from these
independent measures.
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