Sediment Analysis

Sediment analysis is the detailed examination and evaluation of solid particles that accumulate in aquatic environments. These analyses are conducted to determine the physical, chemical, and biological properties of sediments that accumulate in water sources such as rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans. Sediment analysis is critical for environmental monitoring, pollution detection, water quality assessment, and ecosystem health preservation.

Purpose and Importance of Sediment Analysis

Sediments accumulate in aquatic environments as a result of natural processes and human activities. Sediment analyses are conducted for the following purposes:

1. Pollution Detection: Sediments are areas where pollutants that enter the aquatic environment accumulate. The detection and identification of harmful substances such as heavy metals, pesticides, and organic pollutants are possible through sediment analyses. This allows for the monitoring and control of pollutant sources.

2. Ecosystem Health: Sediments are fundamental components of aquatic ecosystems. They play a critical role in biodiversity, the food chain, and habitat health. Monitoring sediment quality is crucial for the protection and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.

3. Erosion and Sediment Transport: Sediment analyses track erosion and sediment transport processes in water bodies like rivers and lakes. Understanding these processes is essential for the sustainable management of water resources. It aids in developing strategies for erosion control and sediment management.

4. Historical Record: Sediments serve as historical records, providing information about past environmental conditions and human activities. Analyzing sediment layers helps us understand past climate changes, natural disasters, and human impacts.

Sediment Analysis Methods

Sediment analyses are generally conducted using the following methods:

Physical Analyses:

Grain Size Distribution: Determining the grain size distribution of sediments provides information about their sources and transport processes. Granulometry analyses identify particles of different sizes, such as sand, clay, and silt.
Density and Volume: Measuring the density and volume of sediments helps determine their storage and transport capacity.

Chemical Analyses:

Heavy Metals: The concentrations of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium in sediments are measured. The presence of these metals can harm aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Organic Pollutants: The presence of pesticides, PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), and other organic pollutants is detected. These substances can accumulate in environmental and biological systems, causing toxic effects.
Nutrients: Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which can trigger eutrophication processes, are monitored in sediments.

Biological Analyses:

Microorganism Examination: Examining bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms living in sediments provides information about ecosystem health.
Biological Indices: Various biological indices are used to evaluate sediment quality. These indices determine ecosystem health based on the presence and abundance of specific species.

Sediment Analysis Process

Sediment sampling procedures are conducted according to "TS 9547 ISO 5667-12 Water Quality – Sampling – Part 12: Guidance on Sampling of Bottom Sediments."

The storage, transportation, and preservation of sediment samples must comply with "TS EN ISO 5667-15 Water Quality – Sampling – Part 15: Guidance on Preservation and Handling of Sludge and Sediment Samples."

Before fieldwork, sampling programs containing all aspects of sample collection should be created in line with "TS EN ISO 5667-1 Water Quality – Sampling – Part 1: Guidance on the Design of Sampling Programs and Sampling Techniques."

The frequency of sediment sampling varies with sedimentation and water flow rates, but it is determined to be at least once a year. Summer periods with low flow rates are preferred for sampling.

Sediment analysis requires careful sampling and laboratory examinations. The process generally involves the following steps:

Sampling: Sediment samples are collected from appropriate locations and depths. The sampling process is planned according to the physical and chemical properties of the aquatic environment.
Laboratory Analyses: Collected samples undergo detailed physical, chemical, and biological analyses in a laboratory setting.
Data Evaluation: Analysis results are evaluated in terms of water quality, pollution status, and ecosystem health. All measurements are carried out in accordance with legal regulations, legislation, and standards. We hold accreditation certificates from the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) under TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 and from the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change.
Reporting: We provide detailed reports compliant with regulations and guide our clients in improving their environmental performance.

ARITSAN Environmental Laboratory Sediment Analysis Services

As ARITSAN Environmental Laboratory, we offer sediment analysis services using the latest technologies and international standards. The main analyses conducted in our laboratory include:

Determination of Dry Matter (%) Content / Moisture (%)
Determination of Loss on Ignition of Dry Mass
Determination of Loss on Ignition at (550 ± 25)°C
Determination of Electrical Conductivity
Determination of pH
Determination of Phosphorus
Determination of PAH (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
Determination of PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Heavy Metal Analysis (Aluminum (Al), Antimony (Sb), Arsenic (As), Copper (Cu), Barium (Ba), Beryllium (Be), Boron (B), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P), Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Tin (Sn), Calcium (Ca), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), Lithium (Li), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel (Ni), Potassium (K), Selenium (Se), Cerium (Cr), Silica (SiO2), Sodium (Na), Strontium (Sr), Thallium (Tl), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Silicon (Si))

Conclusion and Evaluation

Sediment analysis is crucial for monitoring and protecting the quality of aquatic environments. Regular sediment analyses are necessary for detecting pollution sources, evaluating ecosystem health, and managing water resources sustainably. At ARITSAN Environmental Laboratory, we provide the most reliable analysis results with our expert team and state-of-the-art equipment. Monitoring and accurately managing sediment is essential for environmental protection and building a sustainable future. At ARITSAN Environmental Laboratory, we offer reliable and comprehensive services in sediment analysis, fulfilling our responsibility to the environment and society. Let's work together for an environmentally friendly future!

For more information and service requests, please visit www.aritsan.com or contact us.