Delaware River Basin Commission|Other Monitoring (e.g., Toxicity, Microplastics, Phytoplankton)

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Other Monitoring (e.g., Toxicity, Microplastics, Phytoplankton)

Sediment Sampling

DRBC staff collect a sediment sample from a Delaware
Estuary tributary. Photo by DRBC.

Sediment characterization is an important component of the assessment of estuarine environmental health.

Sediment chemistry, acute and chronic sediment toxicity, and benthic infauna assemblage studies are all components of an integrated approach to sediment quality characterization.

The DRBC conducts sediment sampling in support of its various initiatives.

Sediment sampling and analysis of PCBs (utilizing EPA Method 1668A) was undertaken as part of the PCB TMDL development in the Delaware Estuary.

Additional parameters are periodically collected and analyzed and include chlorinated pesticides, PFAS, metals and dioxin/furans.

Sediment sampling is planned in 2024 at 12 Delaware River Estuary tributary sites to monitor for PCBs, Organochlorine pesticides, Dioxins and Furans.

Reports and Presentations

Understanding Sediment Oxygen Demand in the Delaware River Estuary Impacts, Insights and Uncertainties (pdf; given at the February 2025 PDE Science Summit)
Delaware Estuary Regional Sediment Management Plan (pdf 5 MB) and Appendices (pdf 6.5 MB) This August 2013 final report was prepared by the Delaware Estuary Regional Sediment Management Plan Workgroup, of which DRBC is a member.
Evaluation of PCBs and Dioxin/Furans (DxFs) Concentrations in Sediment from the Delaware Estuary (pdf 7 MB; this was presented by DRBC staff at the Feb. 2011 Delaware Estuary Science and Environmental Summit)
Sediment Quality Indicators for the Delaware Estuary (pdf 67 KB; this poster was presented by DRBC staff at the 2006 National Monitoring Conference)
Chlorinated Pesticides in Delaware Estuary Sediment (pdf 237 KB; this was presented by DRBC staff at the Sept. 2004 Toxics Advisory Committee Meeting)
Sedimentological and Geophysical Survey of the Upper Delaware Estuary (pdf 6.2 MB; this Oct. 2003 final report was submitted by the University of Delaware to the DRBC)