A review of chemical-based sediment quality assessment methodologies for the marine environment

Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) are used as an initial screening tool to identify locations and chemicals of most concern in the marine environments. SQGs are used to (A) assess the distribution and risk of single contaminants (Pb) and (B) of contaminant mixtures (metals, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) using Mean Effects Range Median Quotients (MERMQs), Examples given for Sydney estuary. Risk of adverse benthic risk increases from blue to red in each case. Gavin F Birch, Marine Pollution Bulletin.120