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Contaminants in Hamilton's urban stream sediments and ecotoxicity to amphipods

TR 2012/38
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Report: TR 2012/38

Author: SJ Clearwater (NIWA), T Valler (University of Waikato)

Abstract

NIWA was commissioned by the Waikato Regional Council to survey contaminants in urban stream sediments in Hamilton and determine if sediment-associated contaminants are likely to inhibit restoration of these waterways.

The focus of the present study was on sediment associated contaminants. Dissolved or waterborne contaminant concentrations were not evaluated, however dissolved contaminants can significantly impact urban streams.

In June 2011 sediments were sampled at 27 locations in streams in the city of Hamilton and in May 2012 a subset of these locations was sampled again. Concentrations of up to 23 elements in stream sediments were compared.

Contaminants in Hamilton's urban stream sediments and ecotoxicity to amphipods [PDF, 1.5 MB]