Capabilities
Sediment Profile Imaging
Sediment profile imaging (SPI) is a survey method that rapidly maps large areas of the seafloor, river, or lake beds and provides in situ information on sediment textures and deposits, geochemical conditions, biological features, animal-sediment interactions, natural disturbance factors, and human impacts. Integral offers expertise in the appropriate use and application of this innovative tool in assessing sediment quality in environmental surveys, remedial investigations, and long-term monitoring programs. Integral scientists have more than 25 years of combined SPI experience. Integral has used SPI to support interpretation of sediment quality, benthic conditions, and transport and fate processes at complex, dynamic sediment sites with multiple contaminant sources. Our services enable clients to use SPI effectively to optimize resources in the design and implementation of sediment characterization and remediation projects.
• Sediment Surface • Benthic Activity • Subsurface Layers
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Sediment Surface
An SPI camera system can obtain hundreds of high-resolution images of the sediment surface (22 cm high x 15 cm wide) in a single day. Large areas of seafloor, lake bottom, or riverbed can be surveyed in a few days. For example, the image on left shows organically enriched harbor sediment with wood debris and epifauna at the surface.
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Benthic Activity
Using the SPI camera system, scientists can view sedimentary methane bubbles in a silty riverbed.
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Subsurface Layers
This photo taken using the SPI camera system reveals a thin sandblast grit layer deposit near an industrialized shipyard.
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