Rapid Sediment Characterization Tools

Rapid Sediment Characterization (RSC) is an integrated screening methodology used to map contaminant distributions or related biological effects in a timely and cost-effective manner in water, soils and sediments. Examples of RSC tools include x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) for metals, ultraviolet fluorescence spectrometry (UVF) and immunoassay for PAHs, immunoassay for PCBs and pesticides, and QwikLite or QwikSed rapid bioassay.

RSC Tools can be used to support several phases of the Ecological Risk Assessment Process and can be used as part of Advanced Chemical Fingerprinting (ACF) methods which can be used to distinguish between Navy and non-Navy sources by identifying contaminants reasonably derived from Navy or other sites and clearly defining background levels of contamination.

Applications:

Capabilities (direct support):

  • Improve the Navy’s ability to effectively assess and manage contaminated sediments
  • Pre-remedial investigations at Navy IR sites
  • Navy Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) Tiered Approach
    • Step 4: Study Design/DQOs – WP/SAP
    • Step 5: Field Verification of Sampling Design

More Information:

  • Kirtay, V.J. 2008. Rapid Sediment Characterization Tools. Technical Report 1970. SSC San Diego, CA. [975 KB PDF file]
  • Advanced Chemical Fingerprinting: PAHs
  • Near-Real Time UV Fluorescence Technique for Characterization of PAHs in Marine Sediment - NFESC TDS-2075 (February, 2000). [45.4 KB PDF file]
  • QwikSed - A Bioluminescent Sediment Toxicity Test - NFESC TDS-2077 (February, 2000). [143 KB PDF file]
  • Rapid Characterization of Metals in Sediments Using X-Ray Fluorescence Technology - NFESC TDS-2076 (February, 2000). [71.5 KB PDF file]
  • Rapid Characterization of PCBs with ELISA. An Immunoassay Technique - NFESC TDS-2086 (June, 2001). [250 KB PDF file]