Influences of Sedimentation on Water Quality: An Inventory of Research Needs

Sediments play a predominate role in determining the quality of water. Their physical influence not only ranks as a major pollutant but they also serve as a transporting or catalytic agent. This capability can both amplify or diminish the severity of other forms of pollution. An ASCE Sedimentation Committee task group was assigned the responsibility of identifying and cataloguing these many diverse influences plus evaluating the priority of research needs. Fifty-four authoritative respondents, representing many professional disciplines, contributed 196 specific comments on research needs. A condensed and paraphrased summation of these comments, by 11 categories, expresses their viewpoints. The extremely broad and varied range of problem areas establishes that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to both define research needs and formulate acceptable problem solutions. Recommendations are outlined that are believed paramount toward satisfying future professional needs.