Author(s): C. Cofalla
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Cohesive sediment; Contaminants; Rainbow trout; Flood events; Hydrodynamics; Ecotoxicology
Abstract: Hydrodynamic events (e.g. flood, dredging) are accompanied by re-suspension of fine sediments. Studies showed an increasing frequency and intensity of floods due to climate change. Hence an increasing erosion of sediments is estimated. Moreover, contaminants like heavy metals or persistent organic substances often adhere to fine sediments. In order to protect waters and aquatic organisms from contaminated sediments, it is necessary to improve the knowledge concerning transport and bioavailability. In an interdisciplinary experimental research approach both, hydraulic engineers and ecotoxicologists, investigate the impact of re-suspended contaminated cohesive sediments. A layer of sediment was built into an annular flume and re-suspended generating sufficient bottom shear stress. Meanwhile, rainbow trouts were exposed to the sediment and contaminants, respectively. During the tests various parameters are measured to observe the environment in the experiment. The characterization of the sediment behaviour and the analysis of biomarkers help to assess the ecotoxicological risk of hydrodynamic events.
Year: 2011