Systematic review of suspended sediment effects on aquatic organisms across taxa, developmental stages, and endpoints
Abstract
Suspended sediment (SS) is a key stressor in aquatic ecosystems, and numerous experimental studies have investigated its biological effects across various taxa and endpoints. In this systematic review, we analyzed 76 experimental studies to evaluate how SS effects differ across taxonomic groups, developmental stages, exposure durations, and biological endpoints, while also identifying trends in sediment-specific parameters. Sublethal thresholds for fish and bivalves were often below 100 mg L-1, whereas phytoplankton were typically exposed to concentrations exceeding 1000 mg L-1. Although physiological indicators were commonly applied, mortality and growth were the most frequently reported endpoints. Only 4 % of studies performed chemical analyses, 29 % reported particle size data, and none assessed particle structure. While all studies used natural sediments, 17 % included non-natural particles such as kaolin or volcanic ash. These findings underscore the need to integrate sediment-specific properties into SS toxicity assessments to enhance ecological relevance and support the development of robust sediment quality guidelines.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
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