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Polluted sediments can be decisive
January 28, 2022 |
One of the aims of the Swiss Water Protection Ordinance is to ensure that sediments do not contain persistent chemicals or accumulate substances that have a harmful effect on organisms. This is because these compounds can deteriorate surface water quality. However, Switzerland still lacks a uniform strategy for the assessment of sediment quality. The Ecotox Centre has now developed such a strategy during 6 years in exchange with the cantonal water protection agencies, the VSA as well as experts from Eawag and other research institutions.
From sampling to assessment
In the expert report that has just been published, a robust strategy for monitoring and assessing the quality of sediments on the basis of their chemical status is presented. The strategy includes procedures for sampling and sample pre-treatment for chemical analysis. In addition, it contains a substance list proposed for monitoring campaigns, sediment quality criteria (EQSsed) for these pollutants, and a multi-level assessment system that is based on the modular stepwise procedure. The strategy is designed for routine use and builds on methods already used in the cantons.
Cover picture: Andri Bryner, Eawag
Original publication
Financement / Coopération
Le rapport a été élaboré par le Centre Ecotox sur mandat de l'Office fédéral de l'environnement. Outre les chercheurs de l'Eawag, des experts d'autres instituts, des services cantonaux de protection des eaux, du VSA et de bureaux d'études privés y ont participé