Possible limitations of using a surrogate approach in risk assessments: Fate and transport modeling considerations

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:458286

Haddad, R; Michelson, S

Surrogates have been proposed for and used in risk assessments when complex mixtures are involved as the chemical of concern (i.e., TPH). Reasons for using a surrogate approach when dealing with complex mixtures include (1) the lack of detailed chemical and toxicological knowledge for the fresh mixture and (2) uncertainty in the chemistry caused by in situ weathering of the mixture. In this presentation, the potential pitfalls of incorporating a risk assessment-derived surrogate approach with a fate and transport study are discussed. Specifically, an examination of the importance of understanding the physico-chemical limitations of the specific surrogate used is presented. In brief, this paper points out potential limitations associated with assuming that the fate and transport properties of a surrogate compound (e.g., a straight chain, linear hydrocarbon) can be attributed to the entire complex mixture.

• OSTI ID: 458286
• Report Number(s): CONF-961149--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
HYDROCARBONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RISK ASSESSMENT