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An Evaluation of Australian Sediment Quality Guidelines

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Abstract

Interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQGs) adapted recently to Australia from North American effects-based guidelines were evaluated with matching chemical and toxicological data collected for sediments (n = 103) from Sydney Harbour and south coast estuaries of New South Wales. The incidence of toxicity for the test battery was low (7%) among samples with all chemical concentrations below ISQG-Low values, indicating these guidelines are accurate and protective of non-toxic conditions. The incidence of toxicity increased greatly (to 73%) when one or more ISQG-Low values were exceeded, suggesting that ISQG-Low guidelines are appropriate for compliance. Frequent toxic effects (in >75% of samples) were associated with chemical concentrations exceeding ISQG-High guidelines. As expected, the high guideline values were more predictive of adverse effects than the low guidelines. Predictive abilities of ISQGs were not markedly affected by normalization of organic compounds to organic carbon or the use of dilute acid extractions for metals, suggesting that the guidelines are applicable to a wide range of conditions.

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Acknowledgments

The current work was funded by the Australian Research Council (Strategic Partnerships with Industry Research and Training Project No. C00002612) and Australian Laboratory Services Pty. Ltd. Sydney Water and the Olympic Coordination Authority provided additional funding. Graeme Batley (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) provided general advice throughout the study. Ross Hyne, Fleur Pablo, and Alicia Hogan (New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation) provided training and advice in toxicity testing. Stuart Taylor and Adam Gillis (University of Sydney) assisted with sediment sampling.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    S. McCready, G. F. Birch, G. Spyrakis & C. R. Greely

  2. ERL Environmental, 3691 Cole Road South, Salem, Oregon, 97306, USA

    E. R. Long

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  1. S. McCready
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  2. G. F. Birch
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  3. E. R. Long
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  4. G. Spyrakis
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  5. C. R. Greely
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Correspondence to S. McCready.

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McCready, S., Birch, G.F., Long, E.R. et al. An Evaluation of Australian Sediment Quality Guidelines. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 50, 306–315 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-004-0233-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-004-0233-7

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