摘要：This paper presents a methodology of evaluating management options for dredged sediments on the basis of an array of characterization tests and gives an example application for the sediments of Piraeus port. A conceptual model is proposed to guide selection among three management options. The model provides for two tiers of assessment. In tier I, disposal in open sea is evaluated based on a sequence of characterization tests. The final decision is based on the combination of results from chemical and toxicological analyses, supplemented by physical characteristics of sediments. In addition, tier I provides an indication of the need for further characterization of the sediments, in order to determine whether environmental remediation may also be required, independently of dredging activities. Tier II evaluates the other two management options, disposal in landfills or in confined facilities, for the sediments that did not meet tier I requirements for open-sea disposal. Decisions in tier II are facilitated by well-established effluent criteria applied to saltwater and wastes admitted to landfills. The application of the decision-making model for the sediment samples from the port of Piraeus indicated that disposal to open sea is not feasible for the more contaminated sediments from areas with increased shipping activities. Disposal in confined facilities proved a viable option for most of the sediments, whereas all sediments were characterized as non hazardous and can therefore be accepted in an ordinary landfill.
