The speciation and bioavailability of mercury in sediments of Haihe River, China

Twenty-one sediment samples in 11 sites along the Haihe River and Dagu Drainage River, Tianjin, China, were analyzed to investigate the pollution status and bioavailability of mercury (Hg). The results showed that the Haihe River was slightly polluted with Hg when flowing through Tianjin city. On the contrary, the sediments collected from Dagu Drainage River, an important drainage river in Tianjin, were found to have very high Hg concentrations and the highest concentration reached 8779.1 ng g(-1) (dry weight). The methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations accounted for 0.1-2.4% (average: 0.9%) of total mercury (HgT) and were strongly influenced by HgT (r=0.91, p=0.99, n=20) and total organic carbon (TOC; r=0.76, p=0.99, n=20) contents in sediments. Moreover, a five-step sequential selective extraction (SSE) procedure was used to study the bioavailability of Hg in sediments. The mercury in sediments existed mainly as element Hg and mercury sulfide, which accounted for 46.5% and 39.0% of HgT, respectively. The percentage of exchangeable Hg (defined as water soluble Hg plus 'human stomach acid' soluble Hg) was only 0.1-4.6%. The distribution of exchangeable Hg showed an obvious difference to that of HgT, indicating that the HgT concentrations were absolutely insufficient to evaluate the risk of Hg in sediments.     

西苕溪干流水体、悬浮物和表层沉积物中营养盐分布特征与水质评价

了解不同介质的营养盐分布可以全面掌握河流的环境现状。为了调查西苕溪干流的营养盐分布特征和水质现状,沿着干流采集了11个点位的水体、悬浮物和表层沉积物样品,并对水体、悬浮物和表层沉积物中的营养盐特征进行了分析,拟为苕溪流域的水污染防治提供基础数据。研究表明:整个西苕溪干流,水体和沉积物中总氮(TN)和总磷(TP)浓度均存在丰水期明显高于枯水期的季节变化特征,水体中总氮的浓度均超出地表水环境质量Ⅴ类的标准,显示氮污染是西苕溪流域的特点。相关性分析结果表明,悬浮物中的TN和有机质(OM)呈极显著性正相关(r=0.974,p0.01);水体中的TN和悬浮物的各营养盐指标之间的相关性均达到了极显著水平,但沉积物营养盐指标与水体的TN和TP相关性不明显,显示沉积物并不能很好反映流域水质的现状。     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in sediment cores from the Western Scheldt river (Belgium): analytical aspects and depth profiles

A rapid and simple analytical method for the determination of organochlorines, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and organobromines, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in sediment samples was optimised using CRM 536 (PCBs in freshwater sediment). The method involved a hot Soxhlet extraction that reduced the extraction time to 2 h. Elemental sulphur, which is present in sediments and may interfere during the analysis, was removed by means of copper powder added to the sediment during extraction and into the clean-up cartridge. The analysis of PCBs and OCPs was accomplished by gas chromatography with electron capture or mass spectrometric detection. Similar quantitative results for PCB congeners in CRM 536 were obtained using a 50-m capillary column and a 10-m narrow bore column suited for fast analysis. The analysis of PBDEs was done by mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionisation mode. Concentrations of organic pollutants in two sediment cores (approximately 50 cm depth) from the Scheldt river (south of Antwerp, Belgium) showed a relative steady state for PCBs and DDTs, with a slight decrease in the top layers, suggesting a slight decline in their concentrations due to restrictions in their usage. On the contrary, PBDEs were showing an increase in their concentrations in the top layers (up to 270 and 8400 ng/g dry weight for sum of tri- to hexa-BDE congeners and for BDE 209, respectively). This suggests an increasing trend in the concentrations of PBDEs in the Belgian environment.     

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (HCH and DDT) in sediments collected from East China Sea

Sediments used in this study were collected from different depths of eight sites in East China Sea in November 2002. The levels and distribution patterns of the selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs=p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-HCH) in samples were investigated by the technique of sonication extraction followed by the analysis of gas chromatography (GC) coupled with a micro-electron capture detector (muECD). The concentrations of SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT in the surface sediments were in the range of <0.05-1.45 ng/g (mean 0.76 ng/g), <0.06-6.04 ng/g (mean 3.05 ng/g) based on dry weight (dw), respectively. In the vertical distributions, the SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT were in the range of <0.05-2.52 ng/g, <0.06-10.94 ng/g dw, respectively. Residues of OCPs varied significantly with different sampling sites. SigmaDDT in the surface sediments was correlated well with total organic carbon (TOC) content (r2=0.71), while SigmaHCH showed no obvious correlation. The distribution showed that the sediments from the vicinity estuary or near shore had higher TOC contents, and higher OCPs concentrations. The contamination record indicated an extensive use of OCPs in the catchments from Yangtze River in the past might greatly affect the OCP residues.     

崇明东滩盐沼表层沉积物有机碳空间分布特征及其来源示踪研究

沉积物有机碳空间分布特征及其来源是盐沼碳循环研究的一个关键问题。该研究分析了长江口崇明东滩盐沼表层沉积物样品总有机碳(TOC)、总氮(TN)和稳定碳同位素(δ13C)等参数。研究表明:东滩表层沉积物TOC和TN的平均值分别为7. 70±3. 74和0. 74±0. 32 g/kg,两者均表现为自北向南减少的分布趋势。沉积物δ13C平均值为-25. 05±1. 21‰,三元混合模型模拟计算结果表明东滩沉积物有机碳主要来源于悬浮颗粒物(43. 53±22. 44%)和植被(43. 29±24. 82%),底栖微藻贡献率较低(13. 20±8. 40%)。东滩北部沉积物表现为高悬沙贡献-低植被贡献-高有机碳含量特征,中南部表现高植被贡献-低悬沙贡献-低有机碳含量的特点。     

Characterization of bottom sediments and phosphorus fractions in hyper-eutrophic Krishnagiri reservoir located in an agricultural watershed in India

The hyper-eutrophicated Krishnagiri reservoir is situated in hot tropical and semiarid climate zone in South India. There are 16 villages in the command area, which are directly benefited by this reservoir, and water from the reservoir is used for irrigation, fish rearing, livestock rearing and recreation purposes. The reservoir is located in an agricultural watershed, and the rate of soil erosion in the catchment area is very high. Thus, the reservoir is severely affected by sedimentation, and half of its capacity was reduced. Previous studies in Krishnagiri reservoir clearly indicate the lack of information on the quality of sediments and dynamics of nutrient in the reservoir. Hence, the present study was conducted on bottom sediments, and it included the assessment of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients, such as composition, redox potential, moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, total iron, manganese, calcium carbonate, different phosphorus fractions and total phosphorus. The increasing trend in organic matter and also the significant change from positive to high negative values of redox potential clearly indicate the inflow of high organic load which may result from the disposal of sewage and industrial waste water in the upstream catchment side. The high concentration of inorganic phosphorus fractions at the inflow point of the reservoir obviously implies that there was a significant input of nutrients into the reservoir. Hence, the study concludes that the rainfall, soil erosion and runoff are the major environmental factors for the input and accumulation of large quantities of nutrients in the bottom sediments of Krishnagiri reservoir during the study period. The present study clearly suggests for a careful investigation into sediment nutrients in Krishnagiri reservoir, and it is also necessary to assess the role of sediments in the phosphorus dynamics and its significant effect on eutrophication. This study demonstrates that the examination of physicochemical characteristics and nutrients in the bottom sediments is a helpful tool to identify the sources of nutrients to the reservoir. The baseline data provided in this paper will be helpful for the policy makers to frame better policies for the sustainable management of water quality in Krishnagiri reservoir.     

Arsenic poisoning in groundwater: health risk and geochemical sources in Bangladesh

Of the 2508 water samples analyzed in 10 districts of Bangladesh, 51%, on an average, contained arsenic levels of 0.05 to 2.50 mg/l. 95% of nail, 96% of hair, and 94% of urine samples contained arsenic above the normal level. Approximately 3.58 million people out of a total of 17.92 million who are drinking water containing arsenic levels >0.20 mg/l are potentially exposed to high risk of health hazard. Eight thousand and five hundred arsenic patients are identified; they are suffering from various skin lesions, gangrene in leg, skin, lung, bladder, liver, and renal cancer. A big portion of the total population is highly vulnerable to various internal cancers. Lowest arsenic concentration in drinking water producing dermatological disease is found to be 0.103 mg/l. However, the exposure time to develop arsenicosis varies from case to case reflecting its dependence on arsenic level in drinking water and food, nutritional status, genetic variant of human being, and compounding factors. This study has determined the high intensity of fluorescent humic substances in drinking water containing elevated concentrations of arsenic and very low concentrations of heavy metals. The synergistic/antagonistic effect of fluorescent compounds present in drinking water may aggravate the toxicity of arsenic. Geochemical study suggests that arsenic may be released from both reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn (oxy)hydroxide and microbial oxidation of organic matter.     

Radionuclides from past uranium mining in rivers of Portugal

During several decades and until a few years ago, uranium mines were exploited in the Centre of Portugal and wastewaters from uranium ore milling facilities were discharged into river basins. To investigate enhancement of radioactivity in freshwater ecosystems, radionuclides of uranium and thorium series were measured in water, sediments, suspended matter, and fish samples from the rivers Vouga, D?o, Távora and Mondego. The results show that these rivers carry sediments with relatively high naturally occurring radioactivity, and display relatively high concentrations of radon dissolved in water, which is typical of a uranium rich region. Riverbed sediments show enhanced concentrations of radionuclides in the mid-section of the Mondego River, a sign of past wastewater discharges from mining and milling works at Urgeiri?a confirmed by the enhanced values of (238)U/(232)Th radionuclide ratios in sediments. Radionuclide concentrations in water, suspended matter and freshwater fish from that section of Mondego are also enhanced in comparison with concentrations measured in other rivers. Based on current radionuclide concentrations in fish, regular consumption of freshwater species by local populations would add 0.032 mSv a(-1) of dose equivalent (1%) to the average background radiation dose. Therefore, it is concluded that current levels of enhanced radioactivity do not pose a significant radiological risk either to aquatic fauna or to freshwater fish consumers.     

太湖东北部沉积物理化特征及磷赋存形态研究

对太湖东部和北部8个沉积物样品进行了理化性质及磷赋存形态分析,在此基础上探讨了沉积物各理化性质与磷赋存形态间的相关关系。研究结果表明：太湖沉积物的总磷含量为307.43～1454.39 mg/kg,阳离子交换量为15.18～22.68 meq/100g土,有机质含量为1.66%～3.45%;颗粒组成以粉砂级和粘粒级为主,占总量的54.39%～76.83%;主要矿物组成为石英和长石,粘土矿物以伊利石/蒙脱石混层为主,其次是伊利石、绿泥石和高岭石;沉积物中氧化物以SiO2、Al2O3和TFe2O3为主,且它们的含量随沉积物中总磷含量的不同变化较大。磷的形态以无机磷为主,污染较重沉积物中铁/铝磷的含量明显升高,有机磷的比例降低,钙磷变化不大。沉积物的各理化性质与磷赋存形态间关系密切,随着沉积物中总磷含量的增加, 阳离子交换量和有机质的含量都逐渐升高,细颗粒含量（<2 μm）逐渐增多,铁/铝形态的磷在总磷中所占比例也逐渐增大。     

Elevated concentrations of primordial radionuclides in sediments from the Reedy River and surrounding creeks in Simpsonville, South Carolina

A gamma-ray survey and analysis of 16 riverbed samples from the Reedy River watershed near Simpsonville, SC were conducted and compared with national and international studies of primordial radionuclides. The study reported here follows on a recent discovery of anomalously high uranium concentrations in several private well waters in the area. An HPGe spectrometer was used for quantification of gamma emitting radionuclides in the sediments. All sediments contained radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series as well as (40)K. Uranium-238 concentrations in sediment samples ranged from 11.1 to 74.2Bqkg(-1). The measured radionuclide concentrations were compared with data from UNSCEAR and NURE reports. The river and stream sediment data were augmented by in situ NaI(Tl) gamma-ray spectrometer measurements. Comparisons between the ex situ and in situ measurements indicate equivalently distributed uranium in the surface soils and stream sediments, the source of which is likely attributed to the monazite belts that are known to exist in the area.     

Levels of elements in the surficial estuarine sediments of the Hugli River, northeast India and their environmental implications

The present paper is the first document of a detailed geochemical and mineralogical study of muddy to sandy mud estuarine sediments of the Hugli River collected from five different sites along its course in the coastal areas of West Bengal, northeast India. The present work attempts to establish the status of distribution and environmental implications of 52 elements in the surficial estuarine sediments and their possible sources of derivation. The level of both metallic and non-metallic elements shows a wide range of variation all along the course of the estuary and can be attributed to their differential derivation from the source rocks and differential discharge of untreated effluents originating from industrial, agricultural, aquacultural as well as domestic sewage. The element contents, particularly the heavy metal content in the sediments, are the lowest in the upstream part of the estuary at Diamond Harbor, whereas, these are slightly higher in the intermediate stretch of the estuary at Haldia to highest in the mouth of estuary at Gangasagar. These changes indicate that the metals that are carried from upstream find their ultimate depositional sink at the delta mouth near Gangasagar, where almost all the elements showed elevated values. The majority of the elements have their highest concentrations at Canning, a site within the tidal channel network of the Hugli-Matla drainage basin away from the direct influence of the Hugli River. This site is severely contaminated with huge organic load from domestic sewage, aquaculture, intensive trawling activities and agricultural runoff. Moreover, the site suffers from heavy siltation load causing an almost moribund condition of Matla River at this point. Equi-dimensional quartzo-feldspathic mineral grains are consistent components in the siliciclastic composition of the sediments and their sizes at each station are controlled by respective hydrodynamic conditions. Various flaky minerals (mica, chlorite, hornblende) are also present but show inconsistent patterns of distribution. These flaky minerals remain in suspension for a long time and do not follow the usual law of settling of particles depending on the hydrodynamic regime prevailing in the area. Presented data will serve as a baseline against which future anthropogenic effects may be assessed. A comprehensive account of heavy metal content in sediments from different coastal regions of peninsular India has also been presented for purpose of comparison.     

Riverine transfer of heavy metals from Patagonia to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean

The occurrence and geochemical behaviour of Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn and Co are studied in riverine detrital materials transported by Patagonian rivers. Their riverine inputs have been estimated and the nature of these inputs to the Atlantic Ocean is discussed. Most of the metals are transported to the ocean via the suspended load; there is evidence that Fe oxides and organic matter are important phases controlling their distribution in the detrital non-residual fraction. Most heavy metal concentrations found in bed sediments, in suspended matter, and in the dissolved load of Patagonian rivers were comparable to those reported for non-polluted rivers. There is indication that human activity is altering riverine metal inputs to the ocean. In the northern basins – and indicating anthropogenic effects – heavy metals distribution in the suspended load is very different from that found in bed sediments. The use of pesticides in the Negro River valley seems correlated with increased riverine input of Cu, mostly bound to the suspended load. The Deseado and Chico Rivers exhibit increased specific yield of metals as a consequence of extended erosion within their respective basins. The Santa Cruz is the drainage basin least affected by human activity and its metal-exporting capacity should be taken as an example of a relatively unaffected large hydrological system. In contrast, coal mining modifies the transport pattern of heavy metals in the Gallegos River, inasmuch as they are exported to the coastal zone mainly as dissolved load. Electronic Publication     

Determination of lead,chromium and zinc in sediments from an urbanized river in Mauritius

The mean concentration of Cr (105 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)), Zn (167 +/- 30 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (14 +/- 7 mg kg(-1)) in the sediments along St. Louis River situated in an urbanized and industrialized area in Mauritius were well below the limits of 600, 2500 and 700 mg kg(-1) quoted for contaminated sediments adopted from the draft standards (24% clay and 10% organic matter by weight) from the Netherlands [Van Veen RJ, Stortelder PBM. Research on contaminated sediments in the Netherlands. In: Wolf K, Van de Brink WJ, Colon FJ, editors. Contaminated soil. Academic Publisher, 1998. p. 1263-1275.]. Industrial contamination appeared to undergo rapid dilution in the estuary as Cr had high levels near point sources from industries, but decreased rapidly in amount in the estuary possibly because of dilution by other sediments. The significant levels of Zn in sediments from upstream to the estuary suggest that the potential sources could be from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb was two folds higher in the sediments in the estuary of St. Louis River compared to upstream and downstream indicating accumulation of Pb in estuarine sediments, which could be released continuously into the lagoon. The potential sources of Pb in sediments from upstream to the estuary were from the adjacent motorway and road runoff causing significant quantities to be trapped within the St. Louis River. Pb and Zn were significantly positively correlated in the sediments along St. Louis River indicating a common source for Pb and Zn. Significant negative correlations were also found for both Pb and Zn with dissolved oxygen in summer along St. Louis River which indicated that the presence of anoxic waters influenced the trapping of Zn and Pb in the sediment phase. This study has also highlighted that a phasedown of Pb in petrol is necessary and with the introduction of unleaded petrol and vehicles equipped with catalytic converters, studies on levels of Pd and Pt to provide baseline data need to be done in the near future and integrated in environmental development schemes and effective coastal zone management of small island states.     

巢湖水及沉积物中总磷的分布变化特征

磷是导致巢湖水体富营养化的主要营养物质。采集大量巢湖表层水和沉积物样品,通过检测上覆水和沉积物中总磷含量,分析巢湖水体中磷的时空变化及赋存特征。结果显示:巢湖南淝河和裕溪河河口的上覆水中总磷含量值时间变化特征为8月5月3月12月;且南淝河口总磷含量年均值超过地表水Ⅴ类水质标准,明显高于裕溪河口值;表层水和沉积物中总磷含量在空间分布上呈西高东低趋势,最高值均出现在靠近合肥市河口处。巢湖周边土壤及湖区磷的等值线分布表明:杭埠河流域农业污染、东巢湖东南部水土流失可能是巢湖磷面源污染的主要来源。巢湖上覆水和沉积物中总磷的相关系数为0.515,蓝藻爆发期全湖表层沉积物中总磷含量显著减少,揭示目前内源磷释放已是巢湖富营养化的主要因素。结果将对巢湖流域的污染综合防治及蓝藻治理工作提供科学依据。     

典型城内过富营养湖泊沉积物和间隙水中各形态磷的相关性研究

研究了武汉市繁华市中心典型过富营养湖泊沉积物—间隙水体系磷形态的相关性。对沉积物—间隙水中磷形态的连续提取分析发现,自然粒度下,沉积物中有机质含量与沉积物中有机/细菌聚合磷存在很好的线性相关性,说明沉积物中有机质是有机/细菌聚合磷的源;沉积物中总磷决定间隙水中总溶解性磷和溶解性磷酸盐的含量,并且总磷与间隙水中总溶解性磷和溶解性磷酸盐存在很好的相关性;沉积物中Fe P和Al P分别与间隙水中的Eh和溶解性磷酸盐存在相关性,说明Eh的大小严重影响Fe P和Al P的含量,但是Fe P和Al P含量之和又主导着间隙水中溶解性磷酸盐的含量。对典型市内过富营养湖泊的沉积物－间隙水体系中形态磷的相关性研究,旨在为控制这种典型过富营养湖泊沉积物中磷向水体释放提供理论参考。     

Activity concentration of caesium-137 in agricultural soils

In this study, we measured 137Cs activity concentrations in the soil samples taken from agricultural lands in the Buyuk Menderes Basin in Turkey in 1997 and 1998. The soil samples were collected from 42 sites in this Basin. The activity concentration of 137Cs was found to range between 2.81+/-0.17 Bq.kg(-1) and 20.75+/-0.29 Bq.kg(-1). The effect of organic matter, clay, silt and sand contents and pH of the soil on the relative adsorption of the 137Cs on the soil surface were also studied.     

黄浦江表层沉积物中重金属污染的潜在生态风险评价

采用潜在生态风险指数法对黄浦江表层沉积物中重金属污染的潜在生态风险进行了评价。评价结果表明,黄浦江表层沉积物中重金属的潜在生态风险水平较低,其中杨浦大桥和南市水厂断面达到中等生态风险,其它断面均为轻微生态风险;重金属的潜在生态风险依次为Cd>Hg>Cu>As>Pb>Cr>Zn,除Cd达到中等生态风险外,其余元素均为轻微生态风险。沉积物中重金属的污染水平从上游到下游呈上升趋势,工业排放是水环境中重金属的主要来源,苏州河对黄浦江下游重金属存在一定的输入贡献。相关性分析表明,黄浦江表层沉积物中大多数重金属元素呈现相近的来源特征,有机质是影响沉积物中重金属分布的重要因素。     

Chironomid larval deformity frequencies, mortality, and diversity in heavy-metal contaminated sediments of a Canadian riverine wetland

Sediment sampling at point source locations in the Niagara River watershed revealed an area in a Class One Provincially Significant Riverine Wetland that was located near the discharge of a stainless steel company. The site had unusually high concentrations of heavy metals and oily wastes in its sediments. The impacts of these oil and heavy metal contaminated sediments on an invertebrate population of midge (chironomid) larvae was assessed using both lab and field techniques. The midge larvae were the dominant invertebrates in this section of the river. Twenty-six percent of the chironomids from sites located 10 to 800 m downstream of the stainless steel company's point source were deformed. A lab study was carried out to determine what percentage of the observed deformities could be attributed to the heavy metal content of the sediments and what percentage was due to the organic fraction. Sediments collected near the point source were tested and found to be acutely toxic. Sediments collected 60 m downstream of the point source were teratogenic. The frequency of mentum deformities for chironomids reared in clean sediments (control aquaria) was only 2.2%. A similar deformity frequency (2.2%) was observed at the clean sediment reference site in the Welland River watershed. Of the 97 chironomids removed from the de-oiled heavy metal contaminated sediments in the test aquarium, 10.3% displayed deformities. This is believed to be one of the few times that chironomid deformities were induced in a controlled lab study in which heavy metal concentrations similar to those found in the field were used.     

Assessment of Godavari estuarine mangrove ecosystem through trace metal studies

Trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni. Pb, Cd and Cr) analyses in particulate matter and sediments were carried out at 16 different stations in the Godavari mangrove ecosystem covering the three regions viz., Kakinada (KKD) bay, Goutami-Godavari estuary (GGE) and Coringa and Gaderu mangrove environments (CGME). Higher concentrations of trace metals in particulate matter and in sediments were noticed in the mangrove environment compared to the KKD bay and GGE region. The significant correlations observed between several couples of metals in different regions as well as between numbers of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn) with Total Suspended Matter (TSM) in particulate organic matter could be an indication of the role of the complexation with organic matter in the distribution pattern of these metals. Further significant correlations between organic carbon (OC) and Cr, Co, Pb, Cu and Mn in sediments of all the three regions indicate that organic matter acts as a metal carrier. The values of Pollution Load Index (PLI) were low and varied between 0.34 and 0.68 in KKD bay, 0.47 and 0.49 in GGE and, from 0.62 to 1.03 in CGME area, which indicate that the estuarine ecosystem is not of pollution concern under the present scenario.     

Nematode species at risk--a metric to assess pollution in soft sediments of freshwaters

Soft sediments are often highly polluted as many of the toxic chemicals introduced into surface waters bind to settling particles. The resulting accumulation of pollutants in the sediments poses a risk for benthic communities. However, pollution induced changes in benthic communities have been difficult to determine when using macro-invertebrates as bioindicators, as these organisms are often absent in soft sediment. The present study therefore examined the ability of meiofaunal organisms, specifically, nematodes, to assess the ecological status of soft sediments. Over a 9-year period, nematode communities present in sediments collected from large rivers and lake Constance in Germany were studied. These sediments showed a large range of physico-chemical properties and anthropogenic contamination. After the degree of metal and organic contamination was translated into ecotoxicologically more relevant toxic units (TUs), multivariate methods were used to classify nematode taxa in species at risk (NemaSPEAR) or not at risk (NemaSPE(not)AR). This approach clearly distinguished the influence of sediment texture from that of the toxic potential of the samples and thus allowed classification of the nematode species according to their sensitivity to or tolerance of toxic stress. Two indices, expressing the proportion of species at risk within a sample (NemaSPEAR[%](metal), NemaSPEAR[%](organic)), were calculated from independent data sets obtained in field and experimental studies and showed good correlations with the toxic potential (field data) or chemical concentrations (microcosm data). NemaSPEAR[%] indices for metal and organic pollution were therefore judged to be suitable for assessing the impact of chemical contamination of freshwater soft sediments.