Characteristics of Dredged Bottom Sediments

Certain physical and bulk chemical characteristics of bottom sediments that are candidates for dredging are summarized for approx. 50 locations throughout the United States. According to empirical criteria that were used for the past several years, most of these sediments would be termed polluted. Based on the results of a bivariate regression analysis among the reported parameters, some plausible correlations were identified between different metals and between metals and certain fractions of organic material. None of the parameters were highly correlated with the mass of submicron particles in a dredged material. However, additional site-specific data are needed to advance broader and more definitive conclusions regarding the water-quality impact that might occur during dredging and disposal operations.