Selection of the most appropriate SQGs for specific applications can be a daunting task for sediment assessors. This task is particularly challenging because limited guidance is currently available on the recommended uses of the various SQGs. In addition, the numerical SQGs for any particular substance can differ by several orders of magnitude, depending on the derivation procedure and intended use. The SQG selection process is further complicated due to uncertainties regardingCorrespondence to: D. D. MacDonald
Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 39, 20–31 (2000) DOI: 10.1007/s002440010075
A R C H I V E S O F Environmental Contamination andToxicology © 2000 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.
the bioavailability of sediment-associated contaminants, the effects of covarying chemicals and chemical mixtures, and the ecological relevance of the guidelines (MacDonald et al. 2000). It is not surprising, therefore, that controversies have occurred over the proper use of these sediment quality assessment tools.