Towards implementation of bioavailability measurements in the Dutch regulatory framework

A research group composed of RIVM, Alterra, Deltares, IRAS and RWS has selected several methods that can improve the accuracy when used to perform risk assessments of contaminated soils. These methods can be employed to determine which fraction of the contaminants present in the soil is actually biologically available and forms a risk to plants and animals living in the soil. Scientific studies have proven that only the bioavailable fraction of the contaminant is able to exert negative effects on the soil ecosystem. Not all of the contaminants, both in terms of quantity and species, are taken up by plants or animals. The proposed methods can supplement the current approach used to perform risk assessments of soil ecosystems in the Netherlands