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Spatially explicit exposure models: application to military sites.
I Linkov1, A Grebenkov, V M Baitchorov
1ICF Consulting, Inc., Massachusetts, Lexington 02421, USA. ilinkov@icfconsulting.com
Toxicology and Industrial Health
|January 24, 2003
Summary
Military activities can harm habitats, but site closure can aid conservation. This study integrates spatial data into ecological risk assessments for contaminated military sites, developing a tool to model radionuclide accumulation in deer.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Ecological risk assessment
- Conservation biology
Background:
- Defense activities can disturb and contaminate valuable habitats.
- Military site closure can paradoxically lead to significant environmental conservation.
- Former and active military ranges require careful management for ecological sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scientifically justified protocol for the reuse and operation of military sites.
- To assess the ecological value of contaminated and disturbed military lands.
- To integrate spatial information into ecological risk assessment for biodiversity development.
Main Methods:
- Developing and integrating risk and habitat assessment techniques.
- Incorporating spatial data into ecological risk assessment frameworks.
- Creating a software prototype for radionuclide accumulation modeling in deer.
Main Results:
- A novel approach to incorporating spatial information into ecological risk assessment has been developed.
- A software prototype demonstrates the calculation of radionuclide accumulation by deer.
- The system facilitates scientifically justified decisions for military site reuse and management.
Conclusions:
- Ecological risk assessment is crucial for managing contaminated military sites.
- Integrating spatial data enhances the accuracy of ecological risk assessments.
- The developed protocol supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable land use on military lands.