Data screening methods for baseline ecological risk assessments
Conference
·
OSTI ID:40171
- Engineering-Science, Inc., Denver, CO (United States)
In conducting ecological risk assessments (ERAs), it is commonplace to take a phased approach in assessing potential impacts to ecological receptors. The first phase, the baseline ecological risk assessment (BERA) often includes a component which involves the systematic screening of the analytical data for abiotic media (i.e., surface water, sediment, surface soil) versus available ecology-based criteria, standards, guidelines, and benchmark values. Examples of ecological benchmark values include applicable toxicity data, such as no observed effects levels (NOELS) , lowest observed effects levels (LOELS) , or lethal doses (LC50, LD50) for selected indicator species or surrogates. An additional step often included in the screening process, is the calculation of ecological quotients (EQs), or environmental concentration/ benchmark ratios. The intent of the data screening process in performing BERAs is to determine which contaminants at a site are potentially posing a threat to ecological receptors. These contaminants, known as the ecological contaminants of concern (COCS) , are retained for further, detailed evaluations in later phases of the risk assessment. Application of these screening methodologies is presented, along with examples of ecology-based criteria, standards, and guidelines, and benchmark values.
- OSTI ID:
- 40171
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9410273--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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