The use of computer modelling to predict the behaviour of active substances
and their metabolites in the environment, is a fundamental part of environmental
risk assessment. Central to this, is the prediction of concentrations of an
active substance or metabolite (PECs) that may occur in the different environmental
compartments that are at risk.
There are different models and objectives for the different environmental compartments.
For groundwater, surface water and sediments in Europe, FOCUS groups have created
standardised scenarios that are between them, typical of much of European agriculture.
Similarly, in the USA, the EPA recognises a number of models that may be used
for exposure assessments.
Our expert modellers have extensive experience of using the following models:
- MACRO, PEARL, PELMO AND PRZM models to calculate groundwater PECs, particularly
in conjunction with FOCUS model scenarios in Europe
- MACRO, PRZM, SWASH and TOXSWA to calculate surface water PECs, again particularly
in conjunction with FOCUS model scenarios in Europe
- The European MEDRICE model and the US models RICEWQ and RIVWQ to calculate
PECs in the different environmental compartments associated with growing rice
in paddy fields
We also have considerable experience in using higher tier modelling to refine
risk assessments.
Assessment of the potential environmental exposure should be part of the process
for selecting a candidate molecule for development. Having started development,
environmental exposure should be reviewed whenever additional relevant input
data becomes available.
Early stage modelling can be done quickly with very limited experimental data.
We can offer comment on how variations in the proposed label use of the active
substance (GAP) will affect the PECs. Our service is totally flexible. At any
time in the development cycle, we can offer a range of services from modelling
on its own through to a complete environmental risk assessment for submission
to a regulatory authority.
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