Potential for biological effects of sediment-sorbed contaminants tested in the National Status and Trends program. Technical memo

The purpose of the report is to assess the relative likelihood or potential for adverse biological effects occurring due to exposure of biota to toxicants in sediments sampled and analyzed by the National Status and Trends (NS T) Program. In order to satisfy that objective, guidelines were developed for use in assessing the potential for effects. These guidelines were developed by employing a preponderance of evidence assembled from a variety of approaches and from data gathered in may geographic areas. These guidelines were used to rank and prioritize the NS T Program sites with regard to the relative potential for contaminant-induced effects. The severity and geographic extent of adverse effects may be determined by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in intensive regional surveys in areas in which high-priority sites are located. These guidelines were not intended for use in regulatory decisions or any other similar applications.