|
|
|
Effects Of Selenium On Soil Invertebrates
 |
| |
| Objective/Intended Use: |
| |
|
The purpose of this research is to assess the effects of selenium on three species of soil invertebrates. This research is in direct support of the development of ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs), a project currently being led by the Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (OERR). Selenium is one of several chemicals where important data gaps were identified for the development of Eco-SSLs. This research will serve to fill data gaps for developing Eco-SSLs for soil invertebrates. |
|
| Abstract: |
|
Ecological risk assessments are valued tools for evaluating potential risks at hazardous waste sites. Currently there are no peer-reviewed, ecologically-based screening levels for soil. The absence of these, and a process to develop them, is problematic to EPA, other Federal Agencies, and States. To address this need, EPA is developing guidance that will present ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs) for approximately 24 chemicals that are often found in soil at hazardous waste sites at levels that could cause an ecological risk. The Eco-SSLs are designed to assist in screening Superfund sites on the basis of contaminant levels in soil from further testing and risk assessment. Currently, gaps in the toxicological data base prevent development of complete Eco-SSLs (i.e., Eco-SSLs for plants, invertebrates, and wildlife) for a number or priority chemicals, including selenium. In this project, NCEA is conducting research on the effects of selenium on soil invertebrates (earthworm Eisenia fetida, Enchytraeidae E. crypticus or E. minutus, springtail Folsomia candida) which would enable development of an invertebrate Eco-SSLs for selenium. Specifically, these tests involve measuring the chronic toxicity of selenium on invertebrate reproduction, survival and growth. Tests will be conducted in accordance with protocols established under the Eco-SSL effort (e.g., appropriately aged soils tested under conditions of high contaminant bioavailability) and other standardized protocols (ASTM, OECD, ISO). In addition to relating toxicological effects to soil concentrations, analysis of whole body selenium residues will be conducted for the earthworm test. The intent here is to relate toxicological effects to residues to support the eventual development of residue-based toxicological thresholds. |
|
| Project Status: |
|
|
A literature review to confirm the most appropriate chemical specie (e.g., selenite, selenate) for testing has been conducted. Selenate was the form of selenium chosen for further testing. Screening toxicity testing was completed during the fall/winter of 2002. Definitive toxicity tests were initated in winter 2003. Test results are expected to be completed by Fall 2003, with a manuscript submitted for publication by the end of the fiscal year 2004. |
|
| Project Start Date: |
05/01/2001 |
|
| Project Completion Date (Actual/Projected): |
09/30/2004 |
|
| Web Site Address: |
http://www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfund/programs/risk/ecorisk/guidance.pdf
|
|
| Science Contact: |
Keith G. Sappington |
|
Phone Number: |
202-564-1538 |
|
Email Address: |
sappington.keith@epa.gov |
|
Organization: |
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Assessment
Washington Office
|
|
|
| Future Products: |
|
 |
Lethal And Sublethal Effects Of Selenium On Three Soil Invertebrates
|
|
|
|
