| Sediments
Sediment contamination is a major environmental issue because of its potential toxic effects on biological resources and often, indirectly, on human health. A large variety of contaminants including PCBs, dioxin, pesticides, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants from industrial, agricultural, urban, and maritime activities are associated with sediment particulates, including bottom sediments.
Below is a comprehensive list of pollutants found in sediments. Click on the sediment pollutant name for information on environmental occurrence, exposure, carcinogenic probability and federal regulations on the contaminant.
Five major types of pollutants are found in sediments, according to EPA:
- Nutrients, including phosphorous and nitrogen compounds such as ammonia. Elevated levels of phosphorous can promote the unwanted growth of algae. This can lead to the amount of oxygen in the water being lowered when the algae die and decay. High concentrations of ammonia can be toxic to benthic organisms.
- Bulk Organics, a class of hydrocarbons that includes oil and grease.
- Halogenated Hydrocarbons or Persistent Organics, a group of chemicals that are very resistant to decay. DDT and PCBs are in this category.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of organic chemicals that includes several petroleum products and byproducts.
- Metals, including iron, manganese, lead, cadmium, zinc, and mercury, and metalloids such as arsenic and selenium.
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