Claire Mason

Estimating the spatial distribution of dredged material disposed of at sea using particle-size distributions and metal concentrations

We present a method to estimate the spatial distribution of dredged material disposed of at sea. Using both dredged sediments and samples of sea-bed sediment from near the Rame Head disposal site, Plymouth, UK, we applied entropy analysis to the <63 microm sediment fraction and combined the results with the trace metal data in the same fraction, to form a series of groups. We interpret the distribution of sediments in one group (F1) to approximate the distribution of material affected by the disposal site. This distribution includes locations close to the disposal site, and also locations <4 km to the SE and SW, <6 km to the NW and <2 km to the N. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of using trace metal analysis of particular grain size fractions to reduce uncertainty in interpreting the spatial distribution of impacts of dredge disposal.

Spatial distribution of macrofaunal assemblages along the English Channel

The present study investigates the species distribution patterns and macrofaunal assemblages along the English Channel and the environmental factors contributing to observed patterns. Seven distinct macrofaunal assemblages were identified based on Hamon grab samples. In the western Channel, an Echinocyamus/Nemertea assemblage dominated, giving way to an Abra/ Scalibregma assemblage in inshore waters. A Verruca/Sabellaria assemblage was identified to occupy large regions of the mid-Channel while those of the east Channel were more spatially variable. While variations in depth, sediment particle size and wave and tidal stress were significantly related to variations in assemblage structure, temperature did not appear to be greatly influential. In addition, acoustic data obtained for each station sampled allowed us to determine how representative the observed biological communities are over spatial scales somewhat larger than the sampling points. In contrast to earlier comparable studies using anchor dredges, the biological communities sampled in this study did not exhibit a large east-west distinction; the most abundant species and key assemblages were found to be present along the length of the Channel. The possible reasons for these differences with earlier studies are discussed.

Impacts of maintenance dredged material disposal on macrobenthic structure and secondary productivity

The results of a monitoring programme to assess the spatial impacts associated with ongoing dredged material disposal activity at a dispersive, coastal disposal site (southwest UK) are described. Benthic impacts were assessed using benthic community structure and secondary productivity estimates. Analyses of univariate indices (including secondary production) and multivariate community structure revealed differences between stations inside and those outside the disposal site were minimal. Generally, stations within and outside the disposal site were characterised by the same species. Regression models indicated that the variability in biological structure and secondary production was predominantly accounted for by natural variables (e.g., depth, sediment granulometry) with only a small amount of residual variability being due to contaminant variables. Thus, the elevated levels of certain contaminants in the vicinity of the disposal area were not sufficient to result in significant ecological or ecotoxicological changes. We ascribe such findings partly to the dispersive nature of the disposal site.

The application of Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) for improved understanding of metal behaviour at marine disposal sites

Assessment of the effects of sediment metal contamination on biological assemblages and function remains a key question in marine management, especially in relation to disposal activities. However, the appropriate description of bioavailable metal concentrations within pore-waters has rarely been reported. Here, metal behaviour and availability at contaminated dredged material disposal sites within UK waters were investigated using Diffusive Gradient in Thin films (DGT). Three stations, representing contrasting history and presence of dredge disposal were studied. Depth profiles of five metals were derived using DGT probes as well as discrete analysis of total metal concentrations from sliced cores. The metals analysed were: iron and manganese, both relevant to sediment biogeochemistry; cadmium, nickel and lead, classified as priority pollutants. DGT time-integrated labile flux profiles of the metals display behaviour consistent with increasingly reduced conditions at depth and availability to DGT (iron and manganese), subsurface peaks and a potential sedimentary source to the water column related to the disposal activity (lead and nickel) and release to pore-water linked to decomposition of enriched phytodetritus (cadmium). DGT data has the potential to improve our current understanding of metal behaviour at impacted sites and is suitable as a monitoring tool. DGT data can provide information on metal availability and fluxes within the sediment at high depth-resolution (5mm steps). Differences observed in the resulting profiles between DGT and conventional total metal analysis illustrates the significance of considering both total metals and a potentially labile fraction. The study outcomes can help to inform and improve future disposal site impact assessment, and could be complemented with techniques such as Sediment Profile Imagery for improved biologically relevance, spatial coverage and cost-effective monitoring and sampling of dredge material disposal sites. Additionally, the application of this technology could help improve correlative work on biological impacts under national and international auspices when linking biological effects to more biologically relevant metal concentrations.