Declining bioavailability and inappropriate estimation of risk of persistent compounds

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620160327· OSTI ID:464865

Kelsey, J W; Alexander, M ^[1]

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1. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)

Earthworms (Eisenia foetida) assimilated decreasing amounts of atrazine, phenanthrene, and naphthalene that had been incubated for increasing periods of time in sterile soil. The amount of atrazine and phenanthrene removed from soil by mild extractants also decreased with time. The declines in bioavailability of the three compounds to earthworms and of naphthalene to bacteria were not reflected by analysis involving vigorous methods of solvent extraction; similar results for bioavailability of phenanthrene and 4-nitrophenol to bacteria were obtained in a previous study conducted at this laboratory. The authors suggest that regulations based on vigorous extractions for the analyses of persistent organic pollutants in soil do not appropriately estimate exposure or risk to susceptible populations.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 464865
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 16; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ANNELIDS
BIOLOGICAL AVAILABILITY
BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
LAND POLLUTION
NAPHTHALENE
PHENANTHRENE
RISK ASSESSMENT