Management of Hg-contaminated sites poses particular challenges because methylmercury (MeHg), a potent bioaccumulative neurotoxin, is formed in the environment, and concentrations are not generally predictable based solely on total Hg (THg) concentrations. In this review, we examine the state of knowledge regarding the chemical, biological, and physical controls on MeHg production and identify those most critical for contaminated site assessment and management. We provide a list of parameters to assess Hg-contaminated soils and sediments with regard to their potential to be a source of MeHg to biota and therefore a risk to humans and ecological receptors. Because some measurable geochemical parameters (e.g., DOC) can have opposing effects on Hg methylation, we recommend focusing first on factors that describe the potential for Hg bioaccumulation: site characteristics, Hg and MeHg concentrations, Hg availability, and microbial activity, where practical. At some sites, more detailed assessment of biogeochemistry may be required to develop a conceptual site model for remedial decision making. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:249-263. C 2016 SETAC

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Comparisons were made of the performance of the 10-d freshwater sediment toxicity tests using the amphipod Hya-leNa azteca and midge Chironornus tentans. Sediments were collected from eight stations in Onondaga Lake, New York, and represented a wide range of toxicity. The biological end points were survival, biomass, and body length. The two tests were compared on the basis of correspondence among relative values of the end points and ability to statistically discriminate adverse effects relative to control responses (Le., discriminatory ability). Minimum detectable differences (MDDs) and adverse response ranges of the end points were used to further evaluate the discriminatory ability of the end points. Relative responses and discriminatory abilities of the end points of both tests were similar, despite numerous differences that exist among characteristics of the test species and end points. Significant concordance was found among all end points with respect to relative toxicity of sediments from the eight stations. Although MDDs and adverse response ranges of the various end points differed substantially, the observed positive correlation between those two variables resulted in all end points having similar discriminatory ability, Although amphipod biomass and body length have rarely been used as end points in 10-d tests, both end points provided results comparable to those of the other end points evaluated in the present study. Keywords -Freshwater sedimentsSediment toxicity Hyalella azteca Chironornus tentans 2089 * = p 5 0.05; NS = p > 0.05.

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