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National Kxposure Research Laboratory
Research Abstract
Government Perfonnance Results Act (GPRA) Goal #3,
Annual Perfonnance Measure #252
Significant Research Findings:
Collection of Undisturbed Surface Sediments:
Sampler Design and Initial Evaluation Testing
In 2001, the National Research Council, in a report titled, A Risk-Management
Strategy for PCB-Contaminated Sediments, identified the need for a capability to
collect undisturbed surface sediments. Surface sediments are an important source
for most exposure of fish to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) via direct uptake
from water in contact with sediments. These sediments also are an important
source of exposure for fish that feed on prey contaminated by interactions with the
sediment and interstitial and overlying water. Thus, an efficient and effective way
to collect undisturbed surface sediment samples has become a focus of monitoring
and assessment of contaminated sediments.
A literature search was conducted to identify and assess sediment sampling
devices and tools to determine their potential for collecting undisturbed surface
sediment samples. Upon completion of the literature search, no single device was
found that could efficiently and effectively collect the required sediment samples.
A new and innovative sediment sampler was, therefore, designed and fabricated.
The new undisturbed surface sediment (USS) sampler consists of a core tube
housed within a stand that provides isolated, mechanical support in a sediment
bed. The tension on the deployment line is slowly released once the USS sampler
has touched the bottom so that the core tube gently descends into the sediment. A
weight spindle then descends and pushes the core tube farther into the sediment,
collecting the sample. Upon retrieval of the sampler, the sample is maintained
undisturbed inside the tube until it is removed for subsampling. To subsample, a
slicer block is set over the top of the core tube, the sediment is pushed up into the
slicer block until the desired sample thickness is obtained, and the slicer block cuts
the sediment column into increments as thin as 1 centimeter.
The USS sampler was tested in both the laboratory and field settings against
commonly used grab, dredge, and core sampling devices.
In the laboratory, the USS sampler was compared against a grab sampler, dredge
sampler, and core sampler. Evaluation of video and turbidity measurements
collected during testing in a 450-gallon tank demonstrated that disturbance of
surface sediments was reduced during collection events with the USS sampler
when compared to the other samplers.
Scientific
Problem and
Policy Issues
Research
Approach
Results and
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In the field at Sylvan Lake in Pontiac, Michigan, the US S sampler was compared
against the best performer of the other sampling devices from our laboratory tank
testing. Video data collected during collocated sampling events demonstrated that
the USS sampler offered significantly improved sample collection with minimal
disturbance to the surface sediment. Samples collected by the USS sampler
exhibited significantly less variability from location to location in particle-size
distribution indicating that a consistent depth of sampling was obtained using the
USS sampler.
This research was conducted by research scientists within the EPA Office of
Research and Development. Contractors provided support for sampler design and
construction and for sample collection, sample analysis, and data analysis.
Recent publications from this study include:
Fields-Capri, J. and B.A. Schumacher. 2003. Literature Review and Report: Surface Sediment
Sampler Database. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Las Vegas, NV. EPA/600/R-03/115.
Capri, J., B.A. Schumacher, and J.H. Zimmerman. 2005. Collection of Undisturbed Surface
Sediments: Sampler Design and Initial Evaluation Testing. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
Las Vegas, NV. EPA/600/R-05/076.
Future Research The USS sampler will undergo modification and robustness testing in FY06 at
several more sites. One site is anticipated to be a river contaminated with
polyaromatic hydrocarbons and the other is an estuarine environment
contaminated with PCBs.
Contacts for	Questions and inquiries regarding NERL's Sediment Research Program work can
Additional	be directed to:
Information
Brian Schumacher, Ph.D.
U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development
National Exposure Research Laboratory
944 East Harmon Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Phone: 702/798-2242
E-mail: schumacher.brian@epa.gov
Federal funding for this research was administered by EPA under GSA contract
GS-10F0076K. Support for the internal portion of this project was provided
through the U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development, National Exposure
Research Laboratory, Environmental Sciences Division.
Research
Collaboration and
Research
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