Sediment Samples
PADEP's Dataset of Contaminants of Emerging Concern Using Sediment Samples
Streambed sediment can be a sink for all kinds of contamination. This can affect benthic macroinvertebrates or benthic fish that come in frequent contact with or live in the sediment. In addition, storm events and high water flows can cause contamination to become re-suspended, potentially impacting other organisms or moving downstream. Therefore, sediment can be a powerful tool to describe contamination at a site for a variety of compounds.
DEP has tested sediment for a variety of contaminants including hormones, various wastewater compounds, pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals.
Sediment is collected with scoops and sieved into bowls for consistent grain size between sample locations. Sediment is then placed into jars and sent to labs for analysis. More information about how to sample for sediment can be found in Chapter 4 – Chemical Data Collection Protocols, Sediment Chemistry Data Collection Protocol of DEP’s Monitoring Book .
Sediment sample sites are located throughout the state and generally have one to three samples completed per site. A wide variety of CECs have been tested at these sites. Samples have been collected for this study from 2013 to the present. Click on sites in the map to view sediment sampling locations.
Use the interactive document above to view a summary of the study and investigate interactive maps.
Why is this study important?
Sediment sampling could help DEP in determining causes of impairment in stream aquatic life use assessments. It also helps describe the extent and quantification of sediment contamination in PA's streams and rivers.
What were the results?
- 115 out of 202 CECs and metals tested for were detected in sediment from 2013 - 2017
- 72% of all sediment sample results were non-detect
- Common CECs detected in sediment: fluoranthene, pyrene, cholesterol, various wastewater compounds
- Metals also frequently detected
- Varying influences of anthropogenic and natural variables on sediment analyte groups; agricultural land use was significantly correlated to sediment concentrations in several analyses
A comprehensive analysis of the 2013 through 2017 sediment data is located on the DEP website at the links "Sediment Analyses 2013 - 2017" and "Sediment Data 2013 - 2017" .
Questions and comments can be directed to the Bureau of Clean Water, Water Quality Division at 717-787-9637 or RA-WQAssessments@pa.gov .
