Collection and interpretation of Sediment Profile Images (SPI) using the Benthic Habitat Quality (BHQ) index and successional models

Abstract

Sediment profile imaging (SPI) has a history back to the early 70’s, however, it was during the 90’s with the introduction of digital cameras and image analysis softwares that the use of the method expands. This could be tracked in the publication rate of scientific papers where SPI have been used. The sediment profile camera work as an upside-down periscope penetrating the sediment surface and looking horizontally into the sediment. The image is about 17 cm wide and 26 cm high, with a typical penetration depth of 15 cm. Sediment profile image analysis according to the benthic habitat quality index (BHQ) is based on sediment surface structures, subsurface structures and the measurement of the apparent redox potential discontinuity (RPD). This paper focuses on the interpretation of features observed in SPIs and the analysis of SPIs according to the BHQ-index. It also shows how the image analysis could be correlated to successional models and benthic classification according to European Union Water Framework Directive (WFD).