Marine Sediment Screening Benchmarks
Hierarchy for Selection of Marine 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 consensus-based evaluation of multiple studies for marine or estuarine waters were given first priority
- Values derived by statistical-based evaluation (TEL) of multiple studies for marine or estuarine waters were given second 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
- Absent a value in the table, a freshwater sediment value can be used if available
Author: Bruce Pluta (Region 3)
Date: July 2006
Description: Screening benchmarks for marine sediment in Region 3
Keywords: marine, sediment, screening benchmarks, risk assessment, Superfund, Region 3, water, ERAGS, SLERA