reference sediment

https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.14981
Whole sediment near an area of concern used to assess sediment conditions in the absence of substances of concern.
Note: Such sediment is collected near a site of concern and should represent the background conditions.
Source:
PAC, 2009, 81, 829. (Glossary of terms used in ecotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2009)) on page 936 [Terms] [Paper]