Comprehensive analysis and perspectives on guidelines for site-specific ecological risk assessment of contaminated...

Soil ecological risk assessment (SERA) is a scientific tool used to protect soil ecosystems from pollution. Because risk depends on various environmental factors, site-specific SERA guidelines have been implemented to reflect field conditions, including climate, geology, and ecological characteristics. In this study, we aimed to provide perspectives based on the analysis of each guideline and case study, with the objective of revising and establishing more elaborate guidelines and minimizing trial and error in future practices. The International Organization for Standardization, United States, Canada, and United Kingdom guidelines for SERA require chemical, toxicological, and ecological analyses, and only a few guidelines quantify ecological factors. Based on the analysis of the methodology and 19 case studies, we offer the following suggestions: 1) selection of an appropriate reference site that is considered an ecological factor, 2) quantification of bioavailable concentrations as a toolbox, 3) performance of ecotoxicological analyses based on a conceptual site model, and 4) consideration of soil particle-induced toxicity. A more reliable site-specific SERA that reduces socioeconomic costs and uncertainty is crucial for establishing an efficient risk management system for ecosystem protection. Our perspectives will help develop more refined guidelines and practices for site-specific SERA.