Environmental Monitoring Program

While there have been numerous environmental monitoring programs developed over the past several decades (for example, see Olsen et al. 1999) for review of U.S. programs), there have been relatively few efforts that have included systematic monitoring of mercury in wildlife. 

Selected U.S. environmental monitoring programs involving water quality or wildlife... 

Typical applications at Polysar included the quantification of residual solvents and monomers in finished rubber products (e.g. styrene in SBR), quality control of feedstocks such as benzene or ethyl benzene as impurities in styrene monomer, and the analysis of samples collected from environmental monitoring programs. 

As mentioned before, environmental exposure is the first key aspect to develop risk characterization from a defined scenario (see Fig. 1). Experimental analysis is the most obvious and classical procedure for determining the chemical occurrence in the environment. Measuring environmental concentrations (MECs) is more accurate and reflects the reality better than any other method, but the main drawback is the large amount of resources required for these laboratory measurements. Field environmental monitoring programs have become increasingly expensive as... 

Data obtained from environmental monitoring programs can be classified, according to their complexity, in data ordered in one direction (one-way data), two directions (two-way data), three directions (three-way data), and in multiple directions (multiway data) [9, 10]. Scalar numerical data (one variable measured in one sample) would correspond to data ordered in zero direction (zero-way), while vector data (for instance, different variables measured in one sample or one variable measured in different samples) are ordered in one direction. When different variables are measured in different samples, obtained data can be ordered in two directions, that is, in a data table or data matrix. Finally, the compilation of different... 

The biochemical profile of the contaminant can then be compared to that of microorganisms obtained from the sterility tests and bioburden and environmental monitoring programs, in order to help identify the potential sources of the contaminant. 

Alert levels are specific for a given facility and are established on the basis of a baseline developed under an environmental monitoring program. These levels are usually re-examined for appropriateness at an established frequency. When the historical data demonstrate improved conditions, these levels can be re-examined and changed to reflect the conditions. 

A contaminated container should be examined carefully for any breach in the container system. All positives (from integral containers) should be identified to at least genus and to species whenever possible. The identification of contaminant should be compared to the database of the organisms recently identified. The biochemical profile of the contaminant can then be compared to that of microorganisms obtained from the sterility tests and bioburden and environmental monitoring programs, in order to help identify the potential sources of the contaminant. 

SC 64-22 Design of Effective Effluent and Environmental Monitoring Programs SC 64-23 Cesium in the Environment SC 72 Radiation Protection in Mammography SC 85 Risk of Lung Cancer from Radon SC 87 Radioactive and Mixed Waste... 

TR 11 Sterilization of Parenterals by Gamma Irradiation, 1988 TR 13 Fundamentals of an Environmental Monitoring Program, 2001 TR 22 Process Simulation Testing for Aseptically Filled Products, 1996 TR 26 Sterilizing Filtration of Liquids, 1998... 

It is very important to consider the pathways of radionuclides in the environment for design of the environmental monitoring program. Radionuclides enter the receiving environment via direct emissions to atmosphere, direct discharges to water bodies or releases from land burials of radioactive wastes. 

An example of the operational environmental monitoring program presented in the Guide for Environmental Radiation Monitoring by the Japan Atomic Energy Commission is shown in Table 9.5. 

An environmental monitoring program should be established if there is a need for it as discussed in the BSS (Basic Safety Standards). 

Special attention should be paid to the design of an environmental monitoring program. The design of an environmental monitoring program requires sound professional... 

The environmental monitoring program should be designed to allow the assessment of the most significant radionuclides and pathways resulting in doses to humans. In selection of samples, measurements and monitoring locations, one should consider an environmental transfer model (as shown in Fig. 9.3, after CAS 1990). 

General objectives that would justify setting up an environmental monitoring program, described in CRP publication 43, are as follows ... 

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