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(T/MF167) Regional-Scale Risk Assessment of Bisphenol A in Surface Waters using Refined Predicted No Effect Concentrations. Staples, C.A.1, Hall, A.T. 2, Woodburn, K.B.3, Caspers, N.4, 1 2 3 4 ABSTRACT- Bisphenol A is a high-production volume chemical used world-wide that is primarily consumed in the production of polycarbonate and epoxy resins. Its widespread use and concerns about its ecotoxicity have inspired extensive monitoring of bisphenol A in the environment. Data on surface water and sediment concentrations have been assembled from locations around the world to provide the basis for a regional scale assessment of bisphenol A concentrations. Aquatic toxicity data for bisphenol A are now available for many species of freshwater and marine vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Predicted no effect concentrations calculated using a single species tend to ignore considerable relevant data and typically lead to the overestimation of adverse risks, which complicates risk assessment conclusions and risk management decision-making. Sufficient data are now available to calculate refined predicted no effect concentrations (PNEC) using statistical extrapolation procedures. A risk assessment of regional-scale concentrations of bisphenol A in the environment was made using statistical extrapolation procedures to calculate PNECs that are protective of the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. The results show that measured concentrations of bisphenol A are typically orders of magnitude below the refined PNEC values, suggesting that current uses of bisphenol A are not adversely affecting the environment Key words: statistical extrapolation, aquatic, hazard concentration, final chronic value |
