Author(s): Haag; Ulrich Kern; Bernhard Westrich
Linked Author(s): Bernhard Westrich
Keywords: Contaminated sediments; Risk assessment; Erosion; Ecological impact
Abstract: A comprehensive assessment of contaminated aquatic sediments has to consider both sediment hydraulics and ecology. Since layers of contaminated sediments are often buried under less polluted deposits, the risk of erosion and the potential ecological impact have to be evaluated down to sediment depths of 1 m or more. In this paper, a strategy is presented that meets these requirements. This strategy comprises techniques of sediment sampling, non-intrusive density profiling, erosion measurement with depth and ecological assessment of sediments. Application of the proposed strategy to the Lauffen reservoir (River Neckar, Germany) indicates that there is a substantial risk for contaminated reservoir sediments to be eroded and transported downstream. The proposed strategy could serve as a powerful tool to assess hot spots of sediment contamination with respect to the need and urgency of remedial actions.
Year: 1999