Freshwater Sediment Screening Benchmarks
Hierarchy for Selection of Freshwater Sediment Benchmarks
- Preference was given to benchmarks based on chronic direct exposure, non-lethal endpoint studies designed to be protective of sensitive species
- Values derived by statistical- or consensus-based evaluation of multiple studies were given first priority
- Equilibrium partitioning values were selected for contaminants with 2.0< log Kow <6.0 if empirical values based on multiple studies were not available
- Absent consensus or equilibrium partitioning values, single study toxicity values were selected
- Marine values were used for freshwater only if a suitable freshwater value did not exist
Author: Bruce Pluta (Region 3)
Date: August 2006
Description: Screening benchmarks for freshwater sediment in Region 3
Keywords: freshwater, sediment, screening benchmarks, risk assessment, Superfund, Region 3, water, ERAGS, SLERA