Derivation of Draft Ecological Soil Screening Levels for TNT and RDX Utilizing Terrestrial Plant and Soil Invertebrate Toxicity Benchmarks
Abstract
The ecotoxicological benchmarks developed for terrestrial plants and soil invertebrates were compiled, reviewed, and used in this report to develop scientifically defensible terrestrial plant-based and soil invertebrate-based draft ecological soil screening levels (Eco-SSLs) for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX). The draft Eco-SSL values were derived using the EC20 (the 20% negative) level toxicity benchmarks for the effects of each explosive compound as a contaminant in soil and on plant growth or soil invertebrate reproduction endpoints, which were determined in standardized toxicity tests. Ecotoxicological testing was specifically designed and reviewed for these studies to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) criteria for Eco-SSL derivation. Following acceptance by the USEPA, these draft Eco-SSL values will be used to screen site-soil data to identify the contaminants that are not of potential ecological concern and do not need to be considered in the baseline ecological risk assessment, which will result in significant cost-savings during site assessments. These Eco-SSLs will also provide an indispensable tool for installation managers to gauge the ecotoxicological impacts of military operations that involve the use of explosives, thus ultimately promoting the sustainable use of testing and training ranges.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA573533
Entities
People
- Carlton T. Phillips
- Michael Simini
- Roman G Kuperman
- Ronald T. Checkai
Organizations
- Edgewood Chemical Biological Center