Analysis of Sediment Particle Size from Northwest Florida Estuaries

Abstract

Background: A major component of the U.S. EPA SSWR 4.02A research is to understand the factors influencing benthic macrofauna communities across stressor gradients. Secliment particle size can be influencing depth to which dissolved oxygen may penetrate into the sediments, as well as influencing the distribution, settlement, and survival of benthic fauna in soft-bottom environments. US EPA needs information on the distribution of particle size in estuarine sediment samples to identify factors influencing faunal community and sediment characteristics and to develop models. This contract will cover the analysis of up to 150 sediment samples (collected from marine to freshwater regions in the Pensacola Bay Estuary system) for sediment grain size distribution.

Contractor Responsibilities and Task Description: The contractor shall provide the necessary personnel, facilities and equipment for the analysis of sediment samples.

Task Description: Task A: Reporting methods and quality assurance documentation The contractor shall provide to the EPA a Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) or similar document reporting the analytical methods they will use and their expected data quality measures. Task B: Analysis of particle size distribution in sediments The contractor shall analyze the samples received from EPA using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer using Standard Operating Procedure for determination of sediment particle size. Appropriate standards (as outlined in the QA plan from the contractor) will be used to verify that measurements achieve appropriate accuracy and precision.

Milestones: Samples will be provided by the EPA between after acceptance of the QA plan and before 12/1/2018. Contractor shall complete analyses of samples within 9 weeks of sample delivery.