Harmonised framework for ecological risk assessment of sediments from ports and estuarine zones of North and South Atlantic.

摘要: This paper presents a harmonised framework of sediment quality assessment and dredging material characterisation for estuaries port zones North South Atlantic. framework, based on the weight-of-evidence approach, provides structure process conducting sediment/dredging that leads to decision. The main consists “step 1” (examination available data); 2” (chemical toxicity assessment); “decision (any chemical level higher than reference values? are sediments toxic?); 3” (assessment benthic community structure); 4” (integration results); (are toxic or impaired?); 5” (construction decision matrix) (is there environmental risk?). sequence assessments may be interrupted when information obtained is judged sufficient correct risk posed by sediments/dredging material. brought novel features compared other frameworks: data integration through multivariate analysis allows identification which samples and/or related impaired communities; it also discriminates chemicals responsible negative biological effects; dispenses use area. We demonstrated successful application this in different estuarine (Gulf Cadiz) Atlantic (Santos Paranagua Estuarine Systems).