Exposure Profile Analysis
Linking aquatic exposure and effect assessment can provide a better understanding of the overall risk assessment and makes it possible to determine more realistic endpoints for the aquatic risk assessment (see the E-Link Workshop, Brock et al. 2009).
The output files of the current FOCUS surface water modelling include predicted concentrations in surface water and sediment per hour. With Exposure Profile Analysis tools, such as EPA (implemented in our automation software) or EPAT, one can extract these concentrations to produce an exposure profile showing the actual height and length of each peak within the scenarios.
Exposure profiles can be plotted as a graphs and further information characterizing exposure peaks (e.g. duration of each peak above a given threshold) in details. These can be used to set a regulatory acceptable concentration (RAC).
The exposure profiles including their duration can then be compared with the measured concentrations found in the corresponding aquatic ecotoxicological studies.
Related links
GIS modelling
Landscape-level analyses with GIS software and probabilistic approaches increase the realism of exposure assessments.
Kinetic Analyses
We conduct kinetic analyses of laboratory or field dissipation studies to establish endpoints for the exposure and risk assessment.
PEC calculations
We conduct PEC calculations with EU-agreed FOCUS models and national exposure models to ensure a safe use of products.
Selected references
Brock, T., Alix, A., Brown, C., Capri, E and Gottesbüren, B. 2009. Linking aquatic exposure and effects: Risk assessment of pesticides. CRC Press. Available online.
