Good modeling practice guidelines for applying multimedia models in chemical assessments.
Multimedia mass balance models of chemical fate in the environment have been used for over 3 decades in a regulatory context to assist decision making. As these models become more comprehensive, reliable, and accepted, there is a need to recognize and adopt principles of Good Modeling Practice (GMP) to ensure that multimedia models are applied with transparency and adherence to accepted scientific principles. We propose and discuss 6 principles of GMP for applying existing multimedia models in a decision-making context, namely 1) specification of the goals of the model assessment, 2) specification of the model used, 3) specification of the input data, 4) specification of the output data, 5) conduct of a sensitivity and possibly also uncertainty analysis, and finally 6) specification of the limitations and limits of applicability of the analysis. These principles are justified and discussed with a view to enhancing the transparency and quality of model-based assessments.
Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Andreas M
AM
Buser
Matthew
M
MacLeod
Martin
M
Scheringer
Don
D
Mackay
Mark
M
Bonnell
Mark H
MH
Russell
Joseph V
JV
DePinto
Konrad
K
Hungerbühler
D003657:Decision Making; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D008954:Models, Biological; D008956:Models, Chemical; D019212:Multimedia; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D035501:Uncertainty
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D009930:Organic Chemicals