The Applications of Chemical Analyses of Sediments and Soils in ...

previously disposed of in open water; in the mid 1960's, however, the U.S. Corps ofEngineers and the Department of the Interior initiated an investigation into theecological implications of open water disposal. Mercury, specifically because of thepossibility of mobility through methylation, was considered to be a serious threat.Diking was believed to be the most practical alternative to open water disposal,although other problems can be raised such as danger to wildlife. Costs of alternativedisposal can be several times that of the open water method.M.O.E. ANALYTICAL METHODSSampling requirements for sediments, soils, and aqueous samples and outlinesof analytical methods have been described (Ministry of the Environment, 1975).The importance of sampling and which fraction is to be analyzed is evident forthe discussion of metal distribution with particle size and depth. In a study of LakeMuscoka sediments only the top 1 cm was sampled (Brydges, 1970). Because of thewell recognized wide variability in the horizontal direction (Wolfe, 1974), compositesamples are often taken. Core samples of sediments are frequently collected, such asin a recent study of Hamilton Harbour, and maintained frozen until analyzed, samplingvarious depths down the core. Most samples are maintained at 4°C until ready toanalyze.Instrumentation available at the Central Laboratory for the analysis of industrial33