PARameters for ingestion Dose models for NORdic areas (NKS-PARDNOR)

Aim of the study

The objective of the PARDNOR project is to enable the Nordic end-users to make trustworthy ingestion dose estimates for decision support. The work is targeted on application in the ECOSYS model, which is the ingestion dose model applied in the ARGOS and RODOS decision support systems.

Implementation

Recent investigations have identified a number of reasons why estimates made with the ECOSYS model (applied in ‘state-of-the-art’ decision support systems ARGOS and RODOS) of ingestion doses in the Nordic areas may be incorrect by orders of magnitude. In general, the problem is a severe lack of up-to-date parameter data that also adequately reflects the variation in various types of locations/regions.

The PARDNOR project addresses these deficiencies and improves the model accordingly. In 2007, data for all Nordic countries was derived concerning typical diets, imported food products and animal feeding regimes. It was demonstrated that the variations in these parameters between the different Nordic countries and in relation to the German ECOSYS default data can have a considerable connection on dose estimates. In 2008, ingestion dose sensitivity analysis will be made for the variation of each of these parameters. Also, a description of leaf area index (LAI) will be made, which is linked to parameters like sowing time, soil type and temperature, and is targeted for the Nordic areas. This is important as the LAI governs direct crop deposition. Further, a study will be made of soil leaching rates, fixation rates, desorption rates and resuspension enrichment factors, which are all parameters that may prove to be important in the ECOSYS. These will all be described according to soil groups relevant to the Nordic areas.

Dissemination and exploitation of the results

A final report will be written in 12/08. The results are exploited in the RODOS system.

Collaborators

Risø National Laboratory, Denmark; Göteborg University, Sweden; NRPA, Norway; Geislavarnir rikisins, Iceland; Frodskaparsetur Føroya, Faroe Islands, Technical Research Centre of Finland (VTT), Finland.

Timetable

2007-2008

Responsible scientist

Eila Kostiainen

Page updated 15/05/2009