2012 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416): This project has an objective to study how ARS-manufactured carbons can be used to adsorb heavy metals and chlorinated organics in contaminated sediments. This adsorption may cause the contaminants to be less available to biota. 1b.Approach (from AD-416): ARS will test ARS-manufactured activated carbons on surrogate wastewaters. The "best" carbons will be forwarded to the collaborator at University of Maryland. The collaborator will test the activated carbons in a sediment matrix for adsorption capabilities and for reduced contaminant bioavailability. 3.Progress Report: Samples of activated chars shipped to collaborator were tested and it was preliminary concluded that the char made by USDA-ARS out-performed all the other char materials tested as it pertained to removal of mercury from water.