Risk-based analysis of environmental monitoring data: application to heavy metals in North Carolina surface waters.

摘要: The state of North Carolina's Department Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) conducts routine water quality monitoring throughout the to assess health aquatic systems. current study reports results a retrospective (1990–2000) ecological risk assessment six heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, zinc) in 17 Carolina basins that was conducted estimate metal toxicity freshwater organisms sufficiency NCDENR's data identify water-quality-related threats. Acute chronic ecotoxicological thresholds (ETs) were calculated for each based upon 10th percentile species sensitivity distributions normalized hardness. Statewide probabilities (expressed as percentages) random sample exceeding acute or ETs among ranged from 0.01% 12.19% 0.76% 21.21%, respectively, with copper having highest arsenic mercury lowest risk. Basin-specific varied significantly depending hardness presumably watershed development. Although majority specific sites where collected at low toxicity, some had high probability toxic events associated one more metals. Analytical detection limits frequently higher than estimated ET, limiting ability soft-water basins. Results suggest risk-based criteria may be useful assessing validating programs prioritizing management goals.