Differences in SEM–AVS and ERM–ERL predictions of sediment impacts from metals in two US Virgin Islands marinas

Two US Virgin Islands marinas were examined for potential metal impacts by comparing sediment chemistry data with two sediment quality guideline (SQG) values: the ratio of simultaneously extractable metals to acid volatile sulfides (SEM–AVS), and effects range-low and -mean (ERL–ERM) values. ERL–ERMs predicted the marina/boatyard complex (IBY: 2118 μg/g dry weight total metals, two exceeded ERMs) would have greater impacts than the marina with no boatyard (CBM: 231 μg/g dry weight total metals, no ERMs exceeded). The AVS–SEM method predicted IBY would have fewer effects due to high AVS-forming metal sulfide complexes, reducing trace metal bioavailability. These contradictory predictions demonstrate the importance of validating the results of either of these methods with other toxicity measures before making any management or regulatory decisions regarding boating and marina impacts. This is especially important in non-temperate areas where sediment quality guidelines have not been validated.