Ecological Risk Assessment

Aiming to provide scientifically sound advice on ecological risk assessment to environmental decision makers (who have a basic knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and statistics), Sutter (science advisor, US Environmental Protection Agency's National Center for Environmental Assessment) and colleagues provide an introduction to the field, focusing on risks for chemicals and chemical mixtures. Introductory chapters discuss risk assessment frameworks; ecological epidemiology and causal analysis; variability, uncertainty, and probability; dimensions, scales, and levels of organization; modes and mechanisms of action; mixed and multiple agents; and quality assurance. Planning and problem formulation is explored, followed by chapters on the analysis of exposure which cover source identification and characterization; sampling, analysis, and assays; mathematical models of chemical transport and fate; and exposure to chemicals and other agents. Exposure-response relationships, testing, biological surveys, organism-level extrapolation models, population modeling, and ecosystems effects modeling are explored under the "analysis of effects" heading and concluding chapters discuss risk characterization and risk management. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)