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A probabilistic screening model for evaluating pyrethroid surface water monitoring data
F Spurlock1, J Bacey, K Starner
1Environmental Monitoring Branch, California Department of Pesticide Regulation, California, U.S.A. fcspurlock@cdpr.ca.gov
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|October 22, 2005
Summary
Synthetic pyrethroids in California surface waters may pose aquatic toxicity risks. New modeling suggests further monitoring is needed to assess whole-water concentrations and their impact on aquatic ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Synthetic pyrethroids are detected in California surface waters.
- Pyrethroids' hydrophobicity leads to sorption on surfaces and suspended sediments.
- Existing monitoring data (whole-water concentrations) are not directly comparable to aquatic toxicity data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a probabilistic model for assessing pyrethroid whole-water monitoring data.
- To evaluate potential aquatic toxicity risks in California surface waters.
Main Methods:
- Development of a simple probabilistic model.
- Screening-level assessment of pyrethroid whole-water monitoring data.
Main Results:
- Pyrethroid water column toxicity is possible in agriculturally-dominated California tributaries.
- Additional monitoring is warranted to characterize pyrethroid concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Current monitoring data are insufficient for definitive risk assessment.
- Future research should focus on pyrethroid partitioning, bioavailability, and the influence of dissolved organic carbon.