Experience
Human Health Environmental Fate Modelling
In the case of surface water contamination with an organic substance, the model can be applied to assess partitioning into air, sediments and biota, and the potential for bio-magnification in the food chain. This has great value in evaluating human exposure through recreational or subsistence fishing where the water is contaminated with organic substances. In many cases the modelling approach can replace an extensive sampling and analytical effort to assess food chain exposure and human health risks.
Where partitioning into air is the major loss mechanism from groundwater contamination, it would indicate a potential for vapour intrusion into buildings, for example occupied residences. This may be a cause of health risks to members of the community in the affected area.
In the case of disposal of industrial waste such as sludge containing certain semi-volatile organic compounds, environmental fate modelling provides a mechanism for assessing the potential for contamination of groundwater through leaching from the waste body. This is essential information for determining the eventual fate of an organic substance and the level of containment that would be required to prevent groundwater contamination over time. This provides a risk-based approach for waste classification for landfill disposal.