Model development to predict environmental concentrations of chemical substances in marine sediment when the substance is applied via feed in marine aquaculture: Task 1.1. Developing standard exposure scenarios

Abstract

The European Food Safety Authority assesses the safety of feed additives used in aquaculture, including the safety of the feed additives for the environment. The sediment compartment is frequently the environmental area most at risk from these chemicals. The objective of Task 1.1, as reported herein, was to develop standard exposure scenarios as part of the project titled “Modelling the Environmental Concentrations of Chemical Substances in Marine Sediment Resulting from Their Application via Feed in Marine Aquaculture.” This report presents the findings from Task 1.1. To calculate the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC), the model requires input data from three key areas; (1) the chemicals used in the feed, (2) aquaculture production, and (3) oceanographic conditions. In Task 1.1, information relevant to these topics was assessed, and based on the findings, a generalized standard exposure scenario for PEC calculation has been developed. The development of exposure scenarios has been tailored to fulfil the requirements for Phase I screening of the environmental risk assessment set by EFSA. Consequently, data on typical aquaculture species, representative model areas, and common production and oceanographic conditions have been selected. The data collection focused on information necessary for the model to ultimately calculate the initial PEC based on a worst-case scenario. Some of the information assessed and collected can in addition be utilized in a Phase II (higher tier) environmental risk assessment. By implementing the proposed exposure scenarios, as outlined throughout this report, Task 1.1 lays the groundwork for the development of the conceptual model in Task 1.2. The conceptual model will be designed for flexibility, allowing for both Phase I and Phase II assessments, and enabling easy addition and update of new information.