Geo-referenced multimedia environmental fate model (G-CIEMS): model formulation and comparison to the generic model and monitoring approaches

Environ Sci Technol. 2004 Nov 1;38(21):5682-93. doi: 10.1021/es049261p.

Abstract

A spatially resolved and geo-referenced dynamic multimedia environmental fate model, G-CIEMS (Grid-Catchment Integrated Environmental Modeling System) was developed on a geographical information system (GIS). The case study for Japan based on the air grid cells of 5 x 5 km resolution and catchments with an average area of 9.3 km2, which corresponds to about 40,000 air grid cells and 38,000 river segments/catchment polygons, were performed for dioxins, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and di-(2-ethyhexyl)phthalate. The averaged concentration of the model and monitoring output were within a factor of 2-3 for all the media. Outputs from G-CIEMS and the generic model were essentially comparable when identical parameters were employed, whereas the G-CIEMS model gave explicit information of distribution of chemicals in the environment. Exposure-weighted averaged concentrations (EWAC) in air were calculated to estimate the exposure ofthe population, based on the results of generic, G-CIEMS, and monitoring approaches. The G-CIEMS approach showed significantly better agreement with the monitoring-derived EWAC than the generic model approach. Implication for the use of a geo-referenced modeling approach in the risk assessment scheme is discussed as a generic-spatial approach, which can be used to provide more accurate exposure estimation with distribution information, using generally available data sources for a wide range of chemicals.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Benzene / analysis
  • Butadienes / analysis
  • Dioxins / analysis
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Japan
  • Models, Biological*
  • Multimedia
  • Phthalic Acids / analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Rivers / chemistry

Substances

  • Butadienes
  • Dioxins
  • Phthalic Acids
  • phthalic acid
  • Benzene
  • 1,3-butadiene