National Status and Trends: Bioeffects Assessment Program, St Lucie Estuary Summary Database (2001-2004)

The foundation of this study was based on a sediment quality triad (SQT) approach with a probabilistic sampling design, which characterized the estuary in terms of chemical contamination in sediment, sediment toxicity (MicroTox, amphipod assays; sea urchin assay; and P450 HRGS) and benthic infauna community structure. Where possible, published guidelines were used to compare observed values with sediment quality guidelines for chemical contaminants for example Threshold Effects Level (TEL) and Probable Effects Level (PEL) values of MacDonald (1994, MacDonald et al. 1996). Concurrent and subsequent investigations were conducted to further elucidation of cause-effect relationships and are reported as ancillary studies in this report or sited elsewhere. These additional investigations included 1) assessment of chemical contaminant burdens in fish tissue; Comet assay; acetyl cholinesterase activity in fish and shrimp; endocrine disruption in fish; characterization of contaminants in the nepheloid layer and sediment traps; survey for emerging contaminants of concern (alkyl phenols, polybrominated diphenylethers, perfluoro compounds and pesticides) in sediment and water; assessment of oyster biomarkers to describe the nature and severity of the copper problem. Finally, a thematic website and data portal was developed to manage and disseminate nation-wide data on contamination, toxicity, benthic faunal distribution, and fish histopathology (St. Lucie Estuary data were used as a prototype). This is an ongoing effort to provide ready access to data. The web site address is: http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/about/coast/nsandt/