BOTTOM SEDIMENT SAMPLING IN URBAN SETTINGS: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES

Bottom sediment can be both a repository and secondary source of contaminants in aquatic systems. To define the extent and severity of contamination and identify the source and nature of the contaminants, sediment sampling was conducted in streams of the metropolitan Kansas City area. This presentation summarizes the challenges faced in locating appropriate sampling sites in the urban settings and strategies used to accomplish that task. These challenges include the presence of a wide spectrum of nonpoint sources from heterogeneous land uses, intermittent human activities, considerable stream reaches transecting a multitude of private ownerships, and extensive channel management. To ensure the appropriateness and completeness of site location, we used a process involving a review of relevant historical data (e.g., stormwater runoff monitoring data by local government), watershed reconnaissance (identifying major physical features and land use characteristics), site inspection, and pilot sampling to final sampling. The subsequent measurement results were found to meet our study objectives, which validates our site selection strategy. Because the challenges in this study should be common to other urban areas, this method will find broad application.