In The Bay Sediment is fragmental material derived primarily from the physical degradation and chemical decomposition of rocks. Sediment is present naturally in the environment, and is transported to the Chesapeake Bay by its tributaries. Sediment can harm the Bay when present in excessive amounts.
Excess sediment enters the Bay from the erosion of farmland and construction sites.
Sediment can cloud the water so much that SAV cannot survive. Also, phosphorus and toxic contaminants, such as pesticides, attach to sediment particles that are carried downstream and deposited into the Bay. One way to to control the sediment in the Bay is to reconstruct the landscape, such as planting trees, which traps the sediment, and in turn slows down the deposits into the Bay. Nutrients wash off the land in sediments and fertilizers, and enter the Bay from sewage treatment plants. Bacteria begin to decompose the dead algae and in the process use up much or all of the water's dissolved oxygen.