Objective:

The objective of this project is to test (verify) risk estimates for terrestrial wildlife (small mammals) and fish using spatially explicit exposure models. Field metrics will consist of a comparison of field-collected tissue data with tissue-based toxicity criteria, which are based on phenotypic biomarkers of effect. Model results will be compared with results from conventional deterministic risk estimates using the same data set.

Technology Description:

Compounds at installations, particularly ranges, are often found in heterogeneous distributions in the environment. Additionally, valued wildlife species use the environment in very biased ways that are linked to habitat requirements. Current means to estimate exposure lose the spatial heterogeneity through the calculation of a single upper-range mean value for each contaminant (upper 95% confidence level of the mean value or highest concentration detected). That value is used to represent the concentration in soil and sediment throughout the site of concern. From there, exposure is modeled for a generalized single representative of a species, and any influences of habitat preferences are lost. Although likely protective, this process confounds and exacerbates exposure estimates and leads away from predictive estimates of risk. Recently, two spatially explicit exposure models have been developed within the Army Environmental Quality Technology program that include spatial aspects of chemical distributions in the environment. Additionally, they incorporate virtual movements for a population of individuals in the environment that include habitat preferences and produce a probabilistic estimate of risk. The Spatially Explicit Exposure Model (SEEM) calculates exposure and risk for terrestrial wildlife species, and FishRand calculates tissue concentrations for fish. SEEM has been tested at two small arms range sites for songbirds and was shown to be predictive within a factor of three, whereby the conventional deterministic model was between 10- to 500-fold off from field observations. This project will further test and refine these models—SEEM for its utility in predicting risk for small mammals and FishRand for fish. Field verification of results will be based on blood lead toxicity reference values for mammals and fish concentrations of persistent organic substances for fish. Additionally, phenotypic biomarkers for effect will be investigated.

Expected Benefits:

Results will lead to more accurate risk predictions, greater acceptance of probabilistic risk assessments, and lower costs in remediation. Moreover, "what if" questions can be asked quickly and easily to determine the most effective remediation option. (Anticipated Project Completion - 2012)

Principal Investigator:

Dr. Mark Johnson
U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion & Preventive Medicine
ATTN: MCHB-TS-THE
Building E2100
5158 Blackhawk Road
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD 21010-5403
Telephone: (410) 436-5081
Fax: (410) 436-8258
E-mail: mark.s.johnson@us.army.mil