This excel spreadsheet calculates site specific ecological risks of metals (Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd) in soils based on the data and methods agreed on in the EU risk assessment reports (EU RAR, under Directive 793/93/EEC) for these metals, as available in January 2008. Variation in soil properties can result in a more than 10 fold variation in predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC) and therefore it is important that an ecological risk assessment is based on soil specific quality standards in order to avoid over- or under-protective scenarios. Metal toxicity further also depends on time since contamination. Methodologies were developed to correct for both effects in order to derive ecological soil quality standards, based on scientific understanding of the behaviour and ecotoxicity of metals in soils. In order to make all this information available to potential users (regulators or industry), all data were compiled and implemented in this tool allowing straight-forward calculation of soil-specific ecological quality standards and corresponding risk characterisation for various metals. The input parameters are dependent upon the metal under consideration, and are soil parameters likely to be determined in routine soil analyses (metal background concentrations, pH, % organic matter, % clay and eCEC).
As the tool is continuously updated, any feedback is highly appreciated (please send your comments to Dr Koen Oorts at koen.oorts@arche-consulting.be mentioning the operating system and office/excel version, thanks!!). Please note that not all functionalities (e.g. macro's) may be available under an Mac operating system.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN A REALISTIC WAY
