Hazardous Substance Research Centers/South & Southwest

The Danger of Contaminated Sediments

Scientists once thought underwater sediments were effective natural traps for hazardous substances. But it's clear now that manmade chemicals can migrate from sediment beds and pollute large bodies of water. When released from sediments, toxics can pollute waterways long after active sources of pollution have been eliminated.

Sediment contamination is a major pollution problem in the United States. One-eighth to one-quarter of all Superfund National Priority List sites have underwater sediment beds with hazardous chemical compounds. These contaminants come primarily from industrial wastes, agricultural runoff, and urban stormwater runoff.

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