Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs)

Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) are standards used to assess the health of sediment in bodies of water like lakes and rivers. They help determine if the amount of pollutants, such as heavy metals or harmful chemicals, in the sediment could be dangerous to aquatic life or human health. SQGs provide threshold values; if pollutant levels exceed these, it may indicate potential environmental risks and the need for remediation. They are tools for scientists and regulators to monitor pollution, protect ecosystems, and ensure water safety.