Description:
At present the evaluation of soil quality is still based on the measurement of the total metal content in soil. Recent research results however indicated that only a minor fraction of the total metal pool is available for uptake by organisms or leaching to ground- and surface waters. Different extraction techniques, in situ measurements and/or model concepts are available to calculate the so-called bioavailable fraction but none of these are, at present incorporated in soil quality standards. Furthermore it is not yet clear how these measured or modelled fractions are linked to internal concentrations which in turn can be related to (toxic) effects. Finally, research on (bio)availability is performed at different institutes and there is a need to integrate the results obtained by different institutes and universities.
Research objectives:
1. Listing of measurements and model calculations of the available fractions of metals and organic contaminants in soil
2. Assessment of the link between the amount extracted in different measurement to internal (effect) levels in target organisms (either soil dwelling organisms, plants or higher organisms)
3. Evaluation of how these measurements can be incorporated in current/future soil policy
Results and products:
1. Report containing the topic mentioned above (1-3)
2. Workshop to be organized in the second half of 2008 to discuss the findings with policy makers
3. List of recommendations for further research, either on methods, substances or model improvements |
