Contaminant body residues

The dose or contaminant body residue in organisms is a key determinant of potential risk from contaminant uptake. For instance, metal body concentrations in small exposed organisms can be related to metal-induced effects at the organism and population levels of organization (Chapman et al., 2003). CBRs have been used, similar to TIEs, to establish causation as part of the SQT (Borgmann et al., 2001), and to provide additional information for predictions related to changes in contaminant loadings. 

Apparent Effect Levels Acid Volatile Sulphide Ambient Water Quality Guideline Contaminant Body Residue... 

Arsine is highly volatile and there is little risk of direct residual contamination. However, potential persistent decomposition products include arsenic and arsenic oxides. Wash the remains with soap and water. Pay particular attention to areas where agent may get trapped, such as hair, scalp, pubic areas, fingernails, folds of skin, and wounds. If remains are heavily contaminated with residue, then wash and rinse waste should be contained for proper disposal. Once the remains have been thoroughly decontaminated, no further protective action is necessary. Body fluids removed during the embalming process do not pose any additional risks and should be contained and handled according to established procedures. Use standard burial procedures. 

Fay, A. A., B. J. Brownawell, A. A. Elskus, and A. E. McElroy, Critical body residues in the marine amphipod Ampelisca abdita Sediment exposures with nonionic organic contaminants , Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 19, 1028-1035 (2000). 

One can speculate that ozone may be useful in the treatment of heavily contaminated bodies of water. In this use, pipes and ozone generators will be installed to provide a continuous supply of ozone to the water. At first, ozone will kill all current life. Next, it should oxidize the residual dissolved organic material remaining from past contamination. As ozone treatment continues, the sludge on the bottom will be oxidized killing and removing all bacteria and plant life. With sufficient ozone treatment, the water and bottom will become totally sterile and free from all organic contamination. While not demonstrated, this process has the potential to eliminate toxic materials such as herbicides, pesticides, DDT, DDE, dioxin and other POPs that would otherwise persist in the lake for decades. 

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