4. Concentration Gradients

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define bioturbation.

   Hint

   Think about how living creatures interact with soil or sediment.

2. 2.

   What does diffusion describe?

   Hint

   Consider where substances might flow in a glass of water.

3. 3.

   What is the primary process of material mixing in sediment caused by organisms?

   • Erosion
   • Bioturbation
   • Sedimentation

   Hint

   Think of how certain worms interact with their environment.

4. 4.

   True or False: Diffusion only occurs in gases, not in liquids.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider all the places diffusion is important.

5. 5.

   Design an experiment that accurately measures concentration gradients in a contaminated site, accounting for bioturbation.

   Hint

   Focus on how not to disturb the natural environment while obtaining your data.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how changes in sediment characteristics might influence the effectiveness of remediation strategies in a contaminated sediment environment.

   Hint

   Consider the physical properties that affect transport and diffusion.