Sediment Quality Assessment and Management in Marine and Freshwater Environments

Contaminated sediments are a complex and persistent global challenge affecting aquatic ecosystem health, biodiversity, and the sustainable use of water resources. This book provides practical, state-of-the-science guidance on sediment quality assessment and management in marine and freshwater environments, bringing together leading international experts from academia, consulting, government, and applied research. This volume presents contemporary perspectives on the science, policy, and practice of sediment assessment, emphasizing that effective sediment management depends on understanding the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control contaminant fate, exposure, and ecological risk. This foundation also supports consideration of sediment ecosystem services, beneficial reuse, and circular economy principles in modern management strategies. The book is organized into four sections. Part 1 summarizes the current state of practice for investigating sediment quality and interpreting chemical and biological data. Building upon this, Part 2 examines emerging tools and innovative methods for evaluating sediment quality and informing management decisions. Part 3 explores current national and regional approaches to sediment assessment and management. Finally, Part 4 explores the future of sediment assessment and management in the 21st Century, in a rapidly changing world. This volume serves as both a technical reference and a practical guide for environmental scientists, risk assessors, regulators, consultants, and resource managers working on contaminated sediments, aquatic resource protection, dredged material management, and sediment sustainability challenges. It also aims to stimulate continued research and innovation, strengthen the scientific basis for sediment management decisions, and support informed policy development and implementation.