Explain The Main Reasons For The Need To Monitor The Chemistry Of Sediments.

Explain the main reasons for the need to monitor the chemistry of sediments.

Main reasons why chemistry of sediment needs to be monitor which are initiated by legislation to assess contamination of surface water, and ascertain the balance of the sediment which could be affecting the local environment which it covers.
The European Waterframe Directive is the European water legislation which requires all inland and costal waters to reach “good status” by 2015.
By establishing a river basin district structure, within which demanding environmental objectives are set,   which also includes ecological targets for surface water it aims to achieve the good status of the water bodies.
The Southwest has the Severn river basin district, which is run by the Severn river basin district team who monitor for the water frame directive.
This requires mandatory physico – chemical including all pollutants to be monitored at regular periodic intervals and data recorded.   (Defra)

To have data of the chemical character of a particular sediment at a location and assess whether chemical sediment levels are changing specially in places where it is known that are discharges or run offs from industry, forestry or agriculture.

By measuring the chemical concentrations in the sediments one can assess the toxicity to resident biota.

Identify areas where pungent odours are accumulating large amount of toxic chemicals and are becoming a nuisance for residential locations.

To identify locations which have sediment contamination problems and priorities intervention.
To ascertain what to do with dredged sediment e.g. from rivers whether to use or dispose off.

To find out background levels of chemical in sediment.

To undertake an evaluation of sediment when needed for construction,   ascertaining suitability for laying foundations.

To undertake a risk assessment on a contaminated site and depending on data device a remediation programme.