title: Application of multimedia models for screening assessment of long-range transport potential and overall persistence.
abstract: We propose a multimedia model-based methodology to evaluate whether a chemical substance qualifies as POP-like based on overall persistence (Pov) and potential for long-range transport (LRTP). It relies upon screening chemicals against the Pov and LRTP characteristics of selected reference chemicals with well-established environmental fates. Results indicate that chemicals of high and low concern in terms of persistence and long-range transport can be consistently identified by eight contemporary multimedia models using the proposed methodology. Model results for three hypothetical chemicals illustrate that the model-based classification of chemicals according to Pov and LRTP is not always consistent with the single-media half-life approach proposed by the UNEP Stockholm Convention and thatthe models provide additional insight into the likely long-term hazards associated with chemicals in the environment. We suggest this model-based classification method be adopted as a complement to screening against defined half-life criteria at the initial stages of tiered assessments designed to identify POP-like chemicals and to prioritize further environmental fate studies for new and existing chemicals.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Environmental Systems Research, University of Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany.
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Klasmeier
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matthies
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Macleod
authors.forename: Kathrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Fenner
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scheringer
authors.forename: Maximilian
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Stroebe
authors.forename: Anne Christine
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Le Gall
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mckone
authors.forename: Dik
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Van De Meent
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wania
mesh_terms: D000392:Air Movements; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001692:Biological Transport; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D008403:Mass Screening; D008954:Models, Biological; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013997:Time Factors; D014872:Water Movements
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D015386:Hazardous Substances; D009930:Organic Chemicals