Bioavailability of Contaminants in Soils and Sediments: Processes, Tools, and Applications (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780309086257)

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which humans and ecological receptors are exposed to contaminants in soil or sediment. The concept of bioavailability has recently piqued the interest of the hazardous waste industry as an important consideration in deciding how much waste to clean up. The rationale is that if contaminants in soil and sediment are not bioavailable, then more contaminant mass can be left in place without creating additional risk. A new NRC report notes that the potential for the consideration of bioavailability to influence decision-making is greatest where certain chemical, environmental, and regulatory factors align. The current use of bioavailability in risk assessment and hazardous waste cleanup regulations is demystified, and acceptable tools and models for bioavailability assessment are discussed and ranked according to seven criteria. Finally, the intimate link between bioavailability and bioremediation is explored. The report concludes with suggestions for moving bioavailability forward in the regulatory arena for both soil and sediment cleanup.

Author: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Water Science and Technology Board
ISBN-10: 0309086256
ISBN-13: 9780309086257
Publisher: National Academies Press
Language: English
Published: 05/03/2003
Pages: 432
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.89lbs
Size: 9.28h x 6.47w x 1.25d

Review Citation(s):
Scitech Book News 12/01/2004 pg. 141