Sediments integrated assessment system

Also, a sediment quality system has been developed that combines chemical analyses with biotic indices in the so-called TRIAD (Sediment Quality Triad-integrated assessments of sediment quality based on measures of chemistry, toxicity, and benthos).112... 

Bioassays provide a more direct measure of environmentally relevant toxicity than chemical analyses do, since they integrate environmental variables and contaminants (Keddy et al., 1995). The value of toxicity tests within an integrated sediment assessment system is given in Table 6.2.1. 

Table 6.2.1 Integrated sediment assessment system a hierarchical strategy Regulatory...

Several reviewers have suggested using the term "indicator" in place of "measurement endpoint." At this time, measurement endpoint is preferred because it has a specific meaning (a characteristic of an ecological system that can be related to an assessment endpoint), whereas indicator can have several different meanings. For example, indicator has been used at EPA to mean (1) measures of administrative accomplishments (e.g., number of permits issued), (2) measures of exposure (e.g., chemical levels in sediments), or (3) measures of ecosystem integrity. These indicators cannot always be related to an assessment endpoint. 

Basic characterisation, i.e. sediment as ecological, social and economic value, as an essential part of the aquatic ecosystem through forming a variety of habitats and environments. A system approach is needed, comprising biotests and effect-integrating measurements due to the inefficiency of chemical analysis in the assessment of complex contamination. 

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