Metal Exposure, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity Assessment in Sediments from the St. Lawrence River Before and After Remediation Using a Resuspension Technique

Abstract

This study, using Hyalella azteca and Chironomus riparius, evaluated the effects of exposure to heavy metal-contaminated sediments collected from the study area under three conditions: before remediation, after remediation, and suspended particulate matter (SPM). The selected toxicity tests allowed for the evaluation of biological responses across varying concentrations of heavy metals. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in survival or growth between sediment-exposed organisms and controls for either species. In addition, bioaccumulation of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in both organisms was assessed and compared among the sediment conditions and the control. No statistically significant differences in tissue metal concentrations were found between organisms exposed to sediments from the study area and those in control conditions. Sequential extraction analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of metals in the sediments were bound in stable, non-bioavailable forms. These findings are consistent with the observed biological responses, as low levels of bioavailable metals corresponded with the absence of toxic effects. Together, the data confirm that the sediments, regardless of remediation stage or particle fraction, posed no significant biological risk under the conditions tested.