Sediment Source Assessment Using Sediment Fingerprints

Problem

Sediment is one of the most common causes of loss of stream-biologic integrity, whether in suspension in the water column, or as deposition on a stream or lake bottom. Fine-grained silts and clays are of particular concern because they can degrade habitat and often carry phosphorus and (or) other contaminants harmful to humans and aquatic life. Sediment-impaired water bodies, usually identified by fair to poor macroinvertebrate index scores, are placed on the 303(d) list of impaired waters, where a sediment Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) is developed under the Clean Water Act (https://www.epa.gov/tmdl). In order to effectively manage sediment, it is necessary to identify the sediment sources and locations of “hot spots” of erosion and deposition.