Sediment quality in Swiss streams - application of the new assessment strategy

Sediment quality criteria (SQC) can be used for sediment quality assessment by comparing environmental concentrations of the target substances with the corresponding quality criteria. The Ecotox Centre has developed SQC for 20 prioritised substances or substance classes.

After 6 years, the assessment concept for sediment quality in Switzerland is in the home straight. In addition to a harmonised method for sampling and sample preparation, a list of substances for regular sediment monitoring has been developed, as well as sediment quality criteria and an evaluation system.