SOIL PNEC Calculator
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).
This tool is freely available for industry, other entities that provided the necessary data to develop the tool and governmental organizations. 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.
Excel version soil PNEC calculator
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN A REALISTIC WAY
Keep track of our latest news
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ARCHE got inspiration for its newest team event!
At ARCHE we are always in for challenges. So in our search for a thrill exceeding those we already got in our daily work, dealing with the challenges REACH deadlines pose to us and our clients, we stumbled on the following event :-)
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Take home messsages ARCHE's Biocidal Products Regulation training
On January 31st 2012 ARCHE and pIEt consulting have organized, at the ARCHE office in Ghent, a training on the Biocidal Products Regulation. We were happy to welcome 13 people from 11 different companies, from which we all received a positive feedback. Click to the right to read on.
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BIOCIDES 2011 conference in Vienna
ARCHE attended the 14th International annual conference in Vienna (Austria) (28-30th November 2011). The conference is organized by Feierl-Herzele GmbH, that also operates the European Biocides Information Network (https://www.europeanbiocides.net). This fully booked conference is greatly appreciated by participants by its interactive nature and the presence of both industry and government representatives. Click to the right to read on.
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EQSPAE conference in Hong-Kong
ARCHE presented at the International EQSPAE Conference 2011. With this conference, Hong Kong University and SETAC aim to provide an international platform for sharing knowledge on the advancement in the scientific derivation of EQ benchmarks for the protection for aquatic ecosystems and human health. Click to the right to read on.
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The launch of our new website
As you may have noticed by now, we have a new website. And we're quite happy about it too! Click on the arrow on the right for more information.
Meet us at these upcoming events
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6th SETAC World Congres
ARCHE is exhibiting at the 6th SETAC World Congress to be held 20-24 May 2012 in Berlin. In addition we are co-chairing a session on "Collection and use of monitoring data for environmental risk assessment of chemicals" scheduled on wednessday 23 May in the morning.
Topic: Securing a sustainable future: integrating science, policy and people
