A review of sediment contamination by trace metals in the Humber catchment and estuary, and the implications for future estuary water quality

Sediment quality in the estuary is currently far from its 'background' state with respect to trace metals. This has implications for the future water and sediment quality of the Humber under the terms of the EU Water Framework Directive. One management option being considered to improve sea defences in the estuary, managed realignment, may also act to dilute contaminated sediments in the estuary, and thereby to improve future water quality. We look at the effect on sediment contaminant storage of three possible future managed realignment scenarios.