Sediment Extraction Using Deposit-Feeder Gut Fluids: A Potential Rapid Tool for Assessing Biaccumulation Potential of Sediment-Associated Contaminants

摘要

Extraction of contaminated sediments using gut fluids from invertebrates has been used to estimate the biologically available fraction of contaminants. This report discusses how the technique might be used to estimate contaminant bioaccumulation and hence has potential as a universal bioaccumulation screening tool for use in the testing of dredged material as part of the Inland Testing Manual. The report details the current status of the field and both the methods and theory of gut fluid extraction. The report then discusses significant factors that have been identified as significant influences upon gut fluid extraction efficiency and compares the method with other measurements of bioavailability. Finally, the report identifies current research needs and discusses how the technique may be applicable to the needs of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a universal screening tool for sediment-associated contaminants in dredged material.