Development of a Multimedia Exposure Assessment Model for Evaluating Ecological Risk of Exposure to Military-Related Compounds (MRCs) at Military Sites

摘要

This report describes several multimedia exposure assessment models and discusses their applicability for use in evaluating ecological risk of exposure to military-related compounds (MRCs). The risk of exposure to MRCs by ecological units is of vital importance because of the unique characteristics of certain military specific compounds. This assessment of risk is valuable for permitting and planning activities as well as for possible cleanup operations of contaminated sites should the risk to an ecological unit become too great. The requirement that the model be a screening-level model was made to allow for the use of simplified, quantitative, predictive methods that minimize time and effort for implementation in order to quickly obtain the necessary information needed to make a judgment of risk to an ecological unit. The MRCs of primary concern addressed in this report are 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), hexahydro-1,3, 5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX), and octahydro-1,3, 5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7- tetrazocine (HMX). Briefly discussed is the risk of exposure to radioactive compounds. This report presents a discussion of the selection of an existing screening-level model and the modifications made to allow for the evaluation of ecological risk of exposure to the primary MRCs of concern at military sites (i. e., TNT, RDX, and HMX).