The purpose of this investigation is to examine the oxygen uptake rate of resuspended estuarian bottom sediments. Particular interest is directed toward observing the change in magnitude of the maximum uptake rate due to changes in ambient temperature, NaCl concentration, and the presence of B.O.D. dilution salts, while the benthic material is exposed to various states of agitation. These parameters are selected for study because of their possible influence on the rate of oxygen depletion in estuaries due to the resuspension of bottom sediments during periods of intense dredging.