National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA)

Heinz Center Report--The State of the Nation's Ecosystems

Bed Sediment 

Trace elements and semi-volatile and organochlorine compounds were used as chemical indicators of contaminants in stream bed-sediment for the  Core National indicator. 

Stream bed sediment was sampled to assess those contaminants that are relatively insoluble and are adsorbed to fine-grained (silt and clay) material. Sediments are collected from slower moving parts of the stream where silt and clay are deposited. 

 Constituents sampled   [Trace elements]   [Organic compounds]

Standards and guidelines [Trace elements]  [Organic compounds]

For additional information

U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Last update: Monday, May 13, 2002 08:56:49 AM Privacy Statement || Disclaimer || Accessibility