What Role Do Sediments Play in the Environmental Fate of Chemicals?
Sediments act as both sinks and sources for chemicals in aquatic systems. As a sink, they can trap and store chemicals, potentially for long periods. As a source, they can release chemicals back into the water under certain conditions, such as changes in pH, temperature, or due to biological activity. The environmental fate of chemicals in sediments is influenced by factors like particle size, organic matter content, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment.
