Use of protozoan communities to assess the ecotoxicological hazard of contaminated sediments

Protozoan communities developed on artificial substrates were used in a series of in situ and laboratory tests to evaluate the toxic potential of harbor sediments contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). Colonization dynamics in polluted and clean harbors were compared. Laboratory tests were community bioassays using standard techniques to produce sediment elutriate. Results of the in situ colonization and the community tests measuring structural changes (e.g., “decolonization”) were similar. In general, sediments from the contaminated harbor caused significant (p ? 0.05) reductions in the number of taxa, in total protozoan abundance, and in phototroph abundance; however, the abundance of heterotrophic species increased in some in situ tests. Process-level parameters (e.g., respiration; island-epicenter colonization rates) were more sensitive than measurements of community structure. Phototrophs were more sensitive to sediment elutriate than were other trophic types. The information provided by this series of protozoan community tests is more complex than that provided by single-species bioassays. Although community tests may provide more information on the effects of sediment contamination on actual ecosystems than tests based on single species, they require careful interpretation to avoid misleading conclusions.     

Integrated ecotoxicological assessment of marine sediments affected by land-based marine fish farm effluents: physicochemical, acute toxicity and benthic community analyses

An integrated ecotoxicological assessment of marine sediments affected by land-based marine fish farm effluents was developed using physicochemical and benthic community structure analyses and standardised laboratory bioassays with bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), amphipods (Ampelisca brevicornis) and sea urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus). Intertidal sediment samples were collected at five sites of the Rio San Pedro (RSP) creek, from the aquaculture effluent to a clean site. The effective concentration (EC₅₀) from bacterial bioluminescence and A. brevicornis survival on whole sediments and P. lividus larval developmental success on sediment elutriates were assessed. Numbers of species, abundance and Shannon diversity were the biodiversity indicators measured in benthic fauna of sediment samples. In parallel, redox potential, pH, organic matter and metal levels (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediment and dissolved oxygen in the interstitial water were measured in situ. Water and sediment physicochemical analysis revealed the exhibition of a spatial gradient in the RSP, evidenced by hypoxia/anoxia, reduced and acidic conditions, high organic enrichment and metal concentrations at the most contaminated sites. Whereas, the benthic fauna biodiversity decreased the bioassays depicted decreases in EC₅₀, A. brevicornis survival, P. lividus larval success at sampling sites closer to the studied fish farms. This study demonstrates that the sediments polluted by fish farm effluents may lead to alterations of the biodiversity of the exposed organisms.     

The effects of elutriates from PAH and heavy metal polluted sediments on Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg) embryogenesis,larval growth and bio-accumulation by the larvae of pollutants from sedimentary origin

The release, bio-availability and toxicity of contaminants, when sediments are resuspended have been examined, studying concurrently their effects on the embryogenesis and on the larval growth of the Crassostrea gigas larvae and their bio-accumulation in those organisms. Three characteristic sediments have been selected (one contaminated by PAHs, a second by heavy metals and the last by the both pollutants). The organisms were directly exposed to elutriates obtained from each sediment or fed on algae (Isochrysis galbana) contaminated with the same elutriates. The elutriates used in this study show contamination levels similar to those observed in some polluted coastal and estuary environments. The larval growth test has appeared to be more sensitive that the embryotoxicity test. The biological effects and the contaminant bio-accumulation were more pronounced when larvae were directly exposed to different elutriates. In the case of PAHs, the contamination of algae was sufficient to lead to effect on the larval growth of the Crassostrea gigas. In all cases, a fraction of contaminants adsorbed on suspended particles was bio-available and accumulated by the larvae. This study has shown that resuspending polluted sediments constitutes a threat to pelagic organisms and than the C. gigas larval growth may be proposed as a test to protect the most sensitive areas.     

Ecotoxicological evaluation for the screening of areas polluted by mining activities

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of three bioassays representing multiple trophic levels, for the preliminary ecotoxicological screening of sediments from sites contaminated by mining activities. Of the bioassays used in this study, the ostracod test was the most responsive. Vibrio fischeri luminiscence inhibition assay was less sensitive to the toxicants in the sediments than the phytotoxicity assays. The general trend observed was an increase in toxicity values measured by the bioassays with increasing metal mobilization in sediment samples. Therefore, the test battery can be used as a rapid and sensitive tool to evaluate the heavy metal contamination in sediments.     

Toxicity assessment of sediments containing tributyltin around Hong Kong harbour

Rather high levels of tributyltin (TBT) in sediments were found in certain areas around the Hong Kong coastline. Sediments from two contaminated sites (Tsing Yi and Yam O) and two clean sites were used to study the release of TBT contaminants from resuspended sediment to the water column by elutriate tests. The chemical analysis data of elutriates were compared with the effective or lethal concentrations from the toxicity tests of spiked solution using marine microalga (Dunaliella tertiolecta) and benthic invertebrate (Melita koreana) to assess the potential ecotoxicological impacts arising from the dredging work. Concentrations of TBT in filtered sediment elutriates were mostly below 0.002 microg/l which suggested that very little of TBT was released in soluble form. The lethal toxicity of TBT for the invertebrate expressing as 10 day-LC(50) was 2.31 microg/l for TBT and the alga expressing as 48 h-EC(50) was 0.46 microg/l. The results of this evaluation demonstrated that the release of TBT from two contaminated sites during dredging was unlikely to attain the effective or lethal concentrations on the two test species.     

A Test Battery Approach for the Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Estuarine Sediments

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the overall sensitivity and applicability of a number of bioassays representing multiple trophic levels, for the preliminary ecotoxicological screening (Tier I) of estuarine sediments. Chemical analyses were conducted on sediments from all sampling sites to assist in interpreting results. As sediment is an inherently complex, heterogeneous geological matrix, the toxicity associated with different exposure routes (solid, porewater and elutriate phases) was also assessed. A stimulatory response was detected following exposure of some sediment phases to both the Microtox and algal bioassays. Of the bioassays and endpoints employed in this study, the algal test was the most responsive to both elutriates and porewaters. Salinity controls, which corresponded to the salinity of the neat porewater samples, were found to have significant effects on the growth of the algae. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the inclusion of a salinity control in algal toxicity tests, the results of which emphasise the importance of incorporating appropriate controls in experimental design. While differential responses were observed, the site characterised as the most polluted on the basis of chemical analysis was consistently ranked the most toxic with all test species and all test phases. In terms of identifying appropriate Tier I screening tests for sediments, this study demonstrated both the Microtox and algal bioassays to be more sensitive than the bacterial enzyme assays and the invertebrate lethality assay employing Artemia salina. The findings of this study highlight that salinity effects and geophysical properties need to be taken into account when interpreting the results of the bioassays.     

A whole sample toxicity assessment to evaluate the sub-lethal toxicity of water and sediment elutriates from a lake exposed to diffuse pollution

The impact of diffuse pollution in aquatic systems is of great concern due to the difficult to measure and regulate it. As part of an ecological risk assessment (ERA), this study aims to use a whole sample toxicity assessment to evaluate the toxicity of water and sediment from Lake Vela, a lake that has been exposed to diffuse pollution. In this way, standard (algae: Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata; cladoceran: Daphnia magna) and local species (algae: Aphanizomenon flos-aquae; cladoceran: Daphnia longispina) were exposed to surface water, and sediment elutriates were collected seasonally from two sites at Lake Vela: one near the east bank (ES), surrounded by agricultural lands; and the other near the west bank (WS), surrounded by a forest. The results confirmed the seasonal contamination of both environmental compartments by pesticides, including organochlorine pesticides, and the presence of high concentrations of nutrients. Although both sites were contaminated, higher levels of pesticides and nutrients were detected in ES, particularly in the sediments. Bioassays showed that water samples (100% concentration) collected in summer and autumn significantly affected the growth rate of P. subcapitata, which could be attributed to the presence of pesticides. Likewise, they revealed an apparent toxicity of elutriates for P. subcapitata and for both daphnids, in summer and autumn. In fact, although pesticides were not detected in elutriates, high levels of un-ionized ammonia were recorded, which is considered highly toxic to aquatic life. By comparing the several species, P. subcapitata was revealed to be the most sensitive one, followed by the daphnids, and then by A. flos-aquae. Results obtained in this study underlined the importance of whole samples toxicity assessment for characterizing the ecological effects of complex mixtures from diffuse inputs, in the ERA processes.     

Temporal bacterial diversity associated with metal-contaminated river sediments

The temporal activity, abundance and diversity of microbial communities were evaluated across a metal-contamination gradient around a Superfund site in Montana. In order to analyze short-term variability, samples were collected from six sites on four occasions over 12 months. Measurements of community activity, diversity and richness, quantified by dehydrogenase activity and through denaturant gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), respectively, were higher at contaminated sites adjacent to the smelter, relative to reference sites. 16S rRNA gene copy numbers, measured by quantitative PCR, showed seasonal variability, yet were generally higher within polluted sediments. Jaccard similarity coefficients of DGGE profiles, found sites to cluster based primarily on geographical proximity rather than geochemical similarities. Intra-site clustering of the most polluted sites also suggests a stable metal-tolerant community. Sequences from DGGE-extracted bands were predominantly Beta and Gammaproteobacteria, although the communities at all sites generally maintained a diverse phylogeny changing in composition throughout the sampling period. Spearman’s rank correlations analysis found statistically significant relationships between community composition and organic carbon (r-value = 0.786) and metals (r-values As = 0.65; Cu = 0.63; Zn = 0.62). A diverse and abundant community at the most polluted site indicates that historical contamination selects for a metal-resistant microbial community, a finding that must be accounted for when using the microbial community within ecosystem monitoring studies. This study highlights the importance of using multiple time-points to draw conclusions on the affect of metal contamination.     

Integrated measures of ambient toxicity and fish community diversity in Chesapeake Bay tributaries

The goals of this study were to assess the results of a suite of sediment and water column bioassays in the framework of a toxicological risk ranking model and evaluate correlations of model output with fish community metrics. The test sites were located in four tributaries of Chesapeake Bay that are impacted on by industrial, urban and agricultural land use (Curtis Creek, Rock Creek, Fishing Bay and Wicomico River). The mortality, reproduction and growth rates in the water column assays indicated low-level chemical contamination impacts in Curtis Creek and Rock Creek. The results from the Wicomico River and Fishing Bay did not indicate contaminant impacts, but some borderline effects were seen. The sediment bioassays demonstrated greater toxicological responses than the water column assays. The sediments in the Curtis Creek and Rock Creek sites were contaminated with heavy metals and PAHs. The heavy metal concentrations were an order of magnitude lower in the Fishing Bay sediments and below detection in the Wicomico River sediments, except for zinc. The acid-volatile sulphides:simultaneously extractable metals (AVS:SEM) ratios were below 1 in all cases. All four systems had detectable petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Organic contaminants were below detection for all analyses in the Wicomico River and Fishing Bay samples. The risk ranking model ranked Curtis Creek as the most toxicologically impacted site, followed by Rock Creek, Fishing Bay and Wicomico River, which were essentially equal. The diversity index for fish communities sampled by bottom trawl was significantly correlated with the toxicological risk scores for sediment. The toxicological results indicate sediment contamination effects on the deep water fish community in Curtis Creek and indicate that contaminant impacts are not likely to be a contributing factor to disturbed fish communities in Fishing Bay     

Ecotoxicity assessment of the aquatic environment around Lake Kojima,Japan

To reduce the impact of chemical substances on the aquatic ecosystem, it is essential to understand their ecotoxicological properties in the natural aquatic environment. Consequently, we conducted an ecotoxicological study on the aquatic environment around Lake Kojima, a man-made lake located in the southwest of Japan. Lake Kojima receives its chemical inputs mainly from two rivers that flow through various agricultural and industrial areas. For ecotoxicity screening, surface water and sediment samples were collected 4 times in 1993 from 16 preselected sites. Then, the solutes in the filtered surface water were concentrated by ODS resin, and the organic chemicals in the suspended solids (SS) and sediments were extracted by acetone. A battery of five ecotoxicity tests (agar plate test using bacteria and yeast, algal growth inhibition test, Daphnia magna immobilization test, and root elongation test using lettuce seeds) was used to assess these extracts. The results show that the surface water extracts had a lethal effect on D. magna, the SS extracts suppressed algal growth, and the sediment extracts were inhibitory to the growth of yeast. A significant inhibitory effect by the sediment extracts from 4 lake sites and 3 river sites was detected by these ecotoxicity tests. Attempts also were made to identify the putative ecotoxic chemicals in the collected samples. Elementary sulfur was identified as one of the major toxicants in the sediment extracts that were inhibitory to the yeast growth. Moreover, samples of surface water around Lake Kojima, collected weekly from June to September in 1994, were found to contain three pesticides and were toxic to D. magna. But the concentration of the pesticides detected was too low to cause daphnia immobilization. It is believed that the toxicity of the water extracts was mainly due to the combined toxic effect of natural and man-made components. © 1996 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Endocrine effects of contaminated sediments on the freshwater snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum in vivo and in the cell bioassays in vitro

Lake Pilnok located in the black coal-mining region Ostrava-Karvina, Czech Republic, contains sediments highly contaminated with powdered waste coal. Moreover, population of the endangered species of narrow-clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus with high proportion of intersex individuals (18%) was observed at this site. These findings motivated our work that aimed to evaluate contamination, endocrine disruptive potency using in vitro assays and in vivo effects of contaminated sediments on reproduction of sediment-dwelling invertebrates. Chemical analyses revealed low concentrations of persistent chlorinated compounds and heavy metals but concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were high (sum of 16 PAHs 10mug/gdw). Organic extracts from sediments caused significant in vitro AhR-mediated activity in the bioassay with H4IIE-luc cells, estrogenicity in MVLN cells and anti-androgenicity in recombinant yeast assay, and these effects could be attributed to non-persistent compounds derived from the waste coal. We have also observed significant in vivo effects of the sediments in laboratory experiments with the Prosobranchian euryhaline mud snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum. Sediments from Lake Pilnok as well as organic extracts of the sediments (externally added to the control sediment) significantly affected fecundity during 8 weeks of exposure. The effects were stimulations of fecundity at lower concentrations at the beginning of the experiment followed by inhibitions of fecundity and general toxicity. Our study indicates presence of chemicals that affected endocrine balance in invertebrates, and emphasizes the need for integrated approaches combining in vitro and in vivo bioassays with identification of chemicals to elucidate ecotoxicogical impacts of contaminated sediment samples.     

Sediment Toxicity Bioassays for Assessment of Contaminated Sites in the Nervion River (Northern Spain). 2. Tubifex tubifex Reproduction Sediment Bioassay

Toxicity assessment based on sediment chronic bioassays with the aquatic worm Tubifex tubifex was performed at ten contaminated sites in the industrial area of Bilbao (Northern Spain). One control and three reference sites were also included. Tubifex bioassay measures both survival and reproduction impairment. These endpoints have been contrasted and discussed in relation to somatic growth and both individual and total biomass of cocoons. Survival was only affected at one site which was heavily contaminated by organic compounds, mainly PAHs. A group of four severely ecotoxic sediments was characterised by a drastic reduction in number and size of cocoons, and adult somatic growth. In other group of sediments, some significant increases were found for these variables. It is suggested that these increases represent an effect of hormesis. An index of reproductive effort was used to integrate the relationship between somatic growth and reproduction. Values of reproductive effort at the test sediments were lower than those at the control sediment, suggesting a conservative strategy of oligochaete worms which consisted in an investment into somatic line (growth) at the expenses of offspring. Rates of food consumption which were estimated from egestion rates, were low at the contaminated sites. This fact could be related to the low production levels found at these sites and may reflect avoidance feeding behaviour of the oligochaete worms within the sediments. At some reference sites, high production could have resulted from high nutritional quality of sediments, or to an hormetic effect due to low concentration of some chemicals. Results are discussed in relation to toxicity data from sediment three-brood bioassay with Daphnia magna Straus performed separately on the same sediments.     

Sediment quality triad assessment survey of the Galveston Bay,Texas system

To characterize the quality of sediments at key sites in the Galveston Bay Estuary, sediment samples were collected concurrently for chemical and physical analyses, toxicity testing and an assessment of benthic community structure. Significant toxicity, as determined by the sea urchin (Arbacia punetulata) pore water embryological development assay, was observed at 12 of the 24 sites investigated in this study. No toxicity was observed at any of the sites with the amphipod (Grandidierella japonica) solid-phase test. There were a number of sites with elevated levels of trace metals and petroleum hydrocarbons. The chemistry, toxicity and benthic data were ranked by station and a scaled rank sum was calculated to facilitate comparisons among the stations. Five sites exhibited strong evidence of contaminant-induced degradation, while 15 stations showed no evidence of contaminant-induced degradation. At eight additional sites the sediment quality triad (SQT) data indicated that unmeasured chemicals or conditions were stressing the system. Contaminant impacts could be reduced or eliminated by alternative regulatory and management practices, including the restriction of produced water discharges into coastal estuaries and the use of dredge material disposal practices that minimize the reintroduction of sediment-associated contaminants to the bays.     

Distribution of butyltins (TBT, DBT, MBT) in sediments of Gulf of Cádiz (Spain) and its bioaccumulation in the clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Surface sediment samples were analyzed for organotins namely tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin and monobutyltin from six areas located in the Gulf of Cádiz (14 stations), Spain. The total butyltin ranged between undetected and 1,580 ng Sn g⁻¹. TBT generally prevailed in most of the samples, suggesting fresh inputs of butyltin compounds and/or less degradation of TBT. The observed levels of butyltins at several sites are much higher than that required to induce toxic effect on marine organisms, suggesting that these sediments are polluted with butyltin compounds. The clam Ruditapes philippinarum was used for studying bioaccumulation of butyltins by exposing them to contaminated sediments from the Gulf of Cádiz over a period of 28 days under laboratory conditions. Biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) ranged from 0.44 to 3.99.     

Sediment contamination and biological effects in a Chesapeake Bay marina

Complementary measures of sediment toxicity, sediment chemistry and benthic community structure were evaluated at stations within and on the outside perimeter of an enclosed marina on the Bohemia River, a northeastern tributary to Chesapeake Bay. Sediment concentrations of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, copper and tributyltin (TBT) were elevated at stations inside the marina basin. A 28 day partial life-cycle test with the amphipod Hyalella azteca indicated no significant lethal effects associated with test sediments. However, amphipods exposed to sediments collected from three stations inside the marina basin were significantly larger than amphipods from control sediments, possibly as the result of hormesis. Sediment pore water from two out of the three stations eliciting enhanced amphipod growth caused a reduction in light emission by luminescent bacteria in the Microtox^® assay. Furthermore, sediments from these two stations contained the greatest measured concentrations of copper and TBT. Benthic infaunal communities that typically reflect environmental degradation were found exclusively at stations within the marina basin. The area of environmental impact appears to be localized to the enclosed basin, as the marina design limits flushing and, hence, contaminant export.     

MetPAD: A bioassay kit for the specific determination of heavy metal toxicity in sediments from hazardous waste sites

MetPAD^TM, a bioassay kit designed for the specific determination of heavy metal toxicity in environmental samples, was evaluated for toxicity assessment of sediment elutriates from hazardous waste sites in Florida. MetPAD, when run concurrently with Microtox® was useful in pinpointing sediments with heavy metal toxicity. MetPAD results were confirmed by heavy metal analysis of the samples. The MetPAD bioassay for the specific detection of the presence of bioavailable heavy metals should be included in test batteries for toxicity assessment of sediments. © 1992 John Wiley & sons, Inc.     

Toxicity assessment of reference and natural freshwater sediments with the LuminoTox assay

We examined the possibility of adapting the LuminoTox, a recently-commercialized bioanalytical testing procedure initially developed for aqueous samples, to assess the toxic potential of sediments. This portable fluorescent biosensor uses photosynthetic enzyme complexes (PECs) to rapidly measure photosynthetic efficiency. LuminoTox testing of 14 CRM (Certified Reference Material) sediments was first undertaken with (1) a "solid phase assay" (Lum-SPA) in which PECs are in intimate contact with sediment slurries for a 15 min exposure period and (2) an elutriate assay (Lum-ELU) in which PECs are exposed for 15 min to sediment water elutriates. CRM sediment toxicity data were then compared with those generated with the Microtox Solid Phase Assay (Mic-SPA). A significant correlation (P < 0.05) was shown to exist between Lum-SPA and Mic-SPA, indicating that both tests display a similar toxicity response pattern for CRM sediments having differing contaminant profiles. The sediment elutriate Lum-ELU assay displayed toxicity responses (i.e. measurable IC20s) for eight of the 14 CRM sediments, suggesting that it is capable of determining the presence of sediment contaminants that are readily soluble in an aqueous elutriate. Lum-SPA and Mic-SPA bioassays were further conducted on 12 natural freshwater sediments and their toxicity responses were more weakly, yet significantly, correlated. Finally, Lum-SPA testing undertaken with increasing mixtures of kaolin clay confirmed that its toxicity responses, in a manner similar to those reported for the Mic-SPA assay, are also subject to the influence of grain size. While further studies will be required to more fully understand the relationship between Lum-SPA assay responses and the physicochemical makeup of sediments (e.g., grain size, combined presence of natural and anthropogenic contaminants), these preliminary results suggest that LuminoTox testing could be a useful screen to assess the toxic potential of solid media.     

Investigation of the fate and effects of acetyl cedrene on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capitella teleta</Emphasis> and sediment bacterial community

The fate of the fragrance material, acetyl cedrene (AC), in sediment was examined in a 16 day laboratory experiment using the sediment microbial community subjected to the following treatments: AC (nominal concentration; 0 and 50 μg g⁻¹ dw sediment) and macrofaunal worms (with/without Capitella teleta (formerly Capitella sp. I)). Furthermore effects of AC on microbial respiration in the system were determined by examining CO₂ flux. T-RFLP (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) was used to analyze PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplified 16S DNA gene fragments from the sediments to detect changes in the structure and diversity of the bacterial community. In addition, survival of C. teleta in sediment was determined. Lastly, we examined how the interactions between microbes and C. teleta in the sediment affected the above-mentioned parameters. The results showed that there was an interaction between worm treatment and time of sampling on the loss of AC from the sediment. This was caused by AC loss initially being fastest in the sediment with C. teleta present, but at experimental termination there was no significant difference between the two treatments (i.e., with/without worms) in the amount of AC remaining in the sediment. Survival of C. teleta was significantly reduced by AC at experimental termination, but neither microbial respiration nor structure and diversity of the bacterial community were significantly affected.     

Phytobenthos and phytoplankton community changes upon exposure to a sunflower oil spill in a South African protected freshwater wetland

The occurrence of a sunflower oil spill in 2007 in the Con Joubert Bird Sanctuary freshwater wetland, South Africa, inhibited the growth of sensitive phytoplankton species and promoted that of tolerant species. The algal divisions Chlorophyta and Euglenophyta were well represented in the sunflower oil contaminated water, especially the species Euglena sociabilis, Phacus pleuronectes and Chlamydomonas africana. Young and mature resting zygotes of Chlamydomonas africana were recorded in high abundance at all the sunflower oil contaminated sampling sites. The phytobenthos diversity and abundance were significantly suppressed and negatively associated with low Dissolved Oxygen concentrations and the negative redox potential of the bottom sediment. At the intracellular level, phytoplankton chlorophyll a and b concentrations as physiological variables were more sensitive indicators of the adverse effects of sunflower oil than the 72 h Selenastrum capricornutum algal bioassay conducted.     

The influence of lead in components of a freshwater ecosystem on molluscan tissue lead concentrations

Two sites wilh elevated levels of lead (Pb) were selected at Weston's Mill Pond and Farrington Lake in central New Jersey, U.S.A. Lead concentrations in surficial sediments and overlying waters were significantly higher in Weston's Mill Pond than in Farrington Lake. Concentrations of lead in molluscs reflected the degree of lead contamination in the two sites. The gastropods, Physa integra, Pseudosuccinea columella, Helisoma trivolis and Idropoma malleata had the highest lead concentrations. The changes in lead concentration over time in the grazing snails (P. integra, P. columella and H trivolis) appeared to be more strongly correlated to dissolved lead concentrations in water than concentrations in the ‘aufwuchs’, macrophytes, or various sediment fractions. Campeloma decisum had the lowest lead concentrations despite its close association with the contaminated sediments. No strong correlations were noted between lead concentrations in this burrowing prosobranch and those in deriving waters, interstitial waters, or various sediment fractions. The extent of habitat contamination only partially determined the lead concentrations in the species studied.