Sediment source assessment using sediment fingerprints

Allen C. Gellis; Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca; Matthew J. Cashman

doi:10.3133/fs20183008

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Sediment source assessment using sediment fingerprints

Allen C. Gellis·Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca·Matthew J. Cashman

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Abstract

Problem Sediment is one of the most common causes of loss of stream-biologic integrity, whether in suspension in the water column, or as deposition on a stream or lake bottom. Fine-grained silts and clays are of particular concern because they can degrade habitat and often carry phosphorus and (or) other contaminants harmful to humans and aquatic life. Sediment-impaired water bodies, usually identified by fair to poor macroinvertebrate index scores, are placed on the 303(d) list of impaired waters, where a sediment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is developed under the Clean Water Act ( https://www.epa.gov/tmdl ). In order to effectively manage sediment, it is necessary to identify the sediment sources and locations of “hot spots” of erosion and deposition.

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Allen C. Gellis, Lillian E. Gorman Sanisaca, Matthew J. Cashman. 2018-09-26. Sediment source assessment using sediment fingerprints. https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20183008

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