Chemicals that can accumulate in sediments must be tested for their toxicity to sediment organisms as part of the authorisation process. The Ecotox Centre is collaborating on the OECD standardisation of the sediment toxicity test with the amphipod Gammarus sp. which is endemic to European rivers.

In areas used for military purposes, the soil can be contaminated with munitions and explosives, resulting in contaminated sites with potential impacts on the environment.