Sediment quality criteria

Sediment Quality Criteria (SQC) are standards used to evaluate the health of sediments in water bodies, like rivers and lakes. They help determine whether the sediment is safe for aquatic life and human activities, such as fishing and swimming. SQC considers various harmful substances, like heavy metals and pollutants, measuring their concentrations to identify potential risks. If sediment levels exceed these criteria, it indicates possible harm to organisms living in or near the sediment, prompting the need for monitoring or remediation to protect the ecosystem and public health.