Comparison of Sediment Collection Efficiency between Light and Simple Bucket Type and Smith–McIntyre Bottom-samplers

Abstract

In this study, we compared the performance of two types of sediment bottom-samplers, this is, (1) the Light and Simple Bucket Type bottom-sampler (LSBT bottom-sampler) and (2) the Smith-McIntyre bottom-sampler (SM bottom-sampler). Experiments were conducted using identical buckets in a sand-filled circular tank in the laboratory. A sediment collection ratio of approximately 60.8% observed into the bucket using the SM bottom-sampler, and no significant difference was found in the sediment collection ratio between the man and woman groups. Of the LSBT bottom-sampler, the sediment collection ratios in the cases of lifting with vibration and without vibration were approximately 87.3%, and 55.2%, respectively. For the LSBT bottom-sampler, significant differences were found in the sediment collection ratio between the man and woman groups. Potentially, the increased speed in lifting the LSBT bottom-sampler affected sediment collection efficiency. For effective benthic surveys, it is sufficient to collect sediment volumes of greater than 2 L using a SM bottom-sampler with a size of 0.1 m², which is equivalent to approximately 35% of the bucket capacity of a LSBT bottom-sampler. This implies that all methods compared in this study provided a sufficient volume for sediment collection. So, we believe that the LSBT bottom-sampler is a superior option for field surveys if the water depth, sample size, effort, and cost efficiency for sampling are considered.