An evaluation of selected sediments parameters as a rapid means of assessing the impact of organic waste discharges to tidal waters

The question of the disposal of sewage to tidal waters is one which is receiving increasing attention. For controlling authorities whose resources are stretched by the pressures of impending legislation and international directives, there is a need for techniques which allow the rapid and effective assessment of the impact of waste discharges on the marine environment. During ecological studies in the vicinity of a number of waste discharges to the North Kent coast the spatial and seasonal variations of sediments redox potential profiles and organic carbon content were examined. In areas where the bottom deposits are reasonably stable, the degree of reproducibility which can be achieved and the simplicity of the techniques permit the rapid generation of results and facilitate contour mapping to delineate the boundary effects of organic waste discharges.