National Status and Trends: Bioeffects Assessment Program, Chesapeake Bay Summary Database (1998-2001)

This study was based on the sediment quality triad (SQT) approach. A stratified probabilistic sampling design was utilized to characterize the Chesapeake Bay system in terms of chemical contamination, sediment toxicity (Microtox, amphipod bioassay; sea urchin gamete bioassay; and P450 biomarker) and benthic infaunal community structure. The purpose was to define the extent and magnitude of toxicity and other biological effects associated with contaminants in the mainstem Chesapeake estuary and major western subestuaries. This file contains data measured in the Chesapeake Bay estuary system sampled in 1998, 1999, and 2001. Samples were collected for sediment analyses.