Sustainable management of sediment resources: [Vol. 2]

Sediments are a natural part of aquatic systems and they are essential for the hydrological, geomorphological and ecological functioning of those systems. For society they are important and represent an important resource. However, due to the ever increasing use of river catchments, sediments need to be managed in a balanced and sustainable way. Sediment Management at the River Basin Scale reviews some of the key requirements and challenges facing scientists, river basin managers, and policy makers for sustainable sediment management at the river basin scale, and puts forward important recommendations. This volume also available as part of a 4-volume set, ISBN 0444519599. Discount price for set purchase. * First book to consider management at the basin scale * State-of-the-art review chapters * New conceptual frameworks and approaches to management

Volume 1 of the Sustainable Management of Sediment Resources mini-series is the first attempt to fill many of these gaps in knowledge and also in practice. The volume includes sections on: * Sampling * Characterization of contaminants in sediments being bioavailability the main issue * Chemical analysis * Biological analysis * Effect directed analysis and toxicity * Identification evaluation * Benthos sediment quality assessment * Modelling of pollutant fate and behaviour * Sediment quality guidelines This first volume is applicable to a wide audience, from students at the graduate level, to experienced researchers and laboratory personnel in academia, industry and government. * A broad overview on sediment quality and impact assessment of pollutants * Suitable for both newcomers to the field of sediment treatment and specialists alike * Outlines practical examples of methods used in sediment quality analysis

In dynamic river systems, effective and sustainable risk management of sediments, contaminants and their sources must be carried out on a river basin scale. A diversity of interests and risk perceptions, whether environmental, economical, or personal, as well as the broad variety of uses and functions of river systems can lead to conflicts and disagreements about how and where river systems should be managed. This requires a transparent methodology to assess environmental risks in the river basin, followed by a prioritisation of those sites where measures would yield the highest positive effect for the river basin and where financial resources could be allocated most efficiently. However, risk perceptions may only partially be influenced by scientific assessments of risk, and often also depend on a variety of factors such as personal experience and confidence in institutions. Risk managers must develop methods to balance technical and socioeconomic issues with the aim to reduce risks posed by sediments to environmental and economic resources to a level that is perceived as tolerable by society. Sediment Risk Management and Communication (Vol.3 in the SEDNET mini-series) is based on discussions that were held in the working group on "Risk Management and Communication" which was one of 4 working groups within the European Demand-Driven Sediment Research Network "SedNet". It aims to analyse the current situation in Europe with regard to sediment risk management issues, to draw conclusions from this analysis and to offer recommendations for sustainable risk management from basin to site-specific scale. * A broad overview on sediment quality and impact assessment of pollutants * Suitable for both newcomers to the field of sediment treatment and specialists alike * Outlines practical examples of methods used in sediment quality analysis