Chlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) were measured in 107 soil samples globally, and depositional fluxes were determined. Deposition to land surfaces was estimated by dividing the earth into five depositional zones based on climatic and geographical factors. Mean depositional fluxes to these zones ranged from 18 to 610 ng m -2 yr -1 . Low fluxes were observed in most zones not impacted by industrialization. Total global deposition from the atmosphere to land was estimated to be 12 500 ( 1300 kg/yr. Based on limited data, deposition to the oceans was estimated to be about 610 ( 1500 kg/yr, yielding a total global deposition of 13 100 ( 2000 kg/yr from the atmosphere. Emissions of PCDD/F to the global atmosphere were estimated by determining emission factors and production rates for the major PCDD/F sources. The major sources considered in this study were municipal waste incineration, biomass combustion, steel and copper mill emissions, cement kiln emissions, medical waste incineration, and emissions from automobiles Total annual emissions were estimated to be 3000 ( 600 kg. Global deposition (see above) is roughly four times greater than annual emissions. This suggests that sources of PCDD/F are not well-characterized. More data are needed on emission factors (particularly from developing countries) and on introduction rates of PCDD/F to the global atmosphere.

Abstract-Ecotoxicological assessments of contaminated soil aim to understand the effect of introduced chemicals on the soil flora and fauna. Ecotoxicity test methods were developed and conducted on hydrocarbon-contaminated soils (Ͻ5,000-30,000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbon) and on adjacent uncontaminated control soils from eight field locations. Tests included 7-d, 14-d, and chronic survival tests and reproduction assays for the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and seed germination, root length, and plant growth assays for corn, lettuce, mustard, and wheat. Species-specific responses were observed with no-observed effect concentrations (NOECs) ranging from Ͻ1 to 100% contaminated soil. The 14-d earthworm survival NOEC was equal to or greater than the reproduction NOEC values for numbers of cocoons and juveniles, which were similar to one another. Cocoon and juvenile production varied among the control soils. Germination and root length NOECs for mustard and lettuce were less than NOECs for corn and wheat. Root length NOECs were similar to or less than seed germination NOECs. Statistically significant correlations (p Ͻ 0.05) for earthworm survival and seed germination as a function of hydrocarbon measurements were found. The 14-d earthworm survival and the seed germination tests are recommended for use in the context of a risk-based framework for the ecological assessment of contaminated sites.

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Ecotoxicological assessments of contaminated soil aim to understand the effect of introduced chemicals on the soil flora and fauna. Ecotoxicity test methods were developed and conducted on hydrocarbon‐contaminated soils (<5,000–30,000 mg/kg total petroleum hydrocarbon) and on adjacent uncontaminated control soils from eight field locations. Tests included 7‐d, 14‐d, and chronic survival tests and reproduction assays for the earthworm (Eisenia fetida) and seed germination, root length, and plant growth assays for corn, lettuce, mustard, and wheat. Species‐specific responses were observed with no‐observed effect concentrations (NOECs) ranging from <1 to 100% contaminated soil. The 14‐d earthworm survival NOEC was equal to or greater than the reproduction NOEC values for numbers of cocoons and juveniles, which were similar to one another. Cocoon and juvenile production varied among the control soils. Germination and root length NOECs for mustard and lettuce were less than NOECs for corn and wheat. Root length NOECs were similar to or less than seed germination NOECs. Statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05) for earthworm survival and seed germination as a function of hydrocarbon measurements were found. The 14‐d earthworm survival and the seed germination tests are recommended for use in the context of a risk‐based framework for the ecological assessment of contaminated sites.

The indoor air concentrations of aldrin and dieldrin, two organochlorine termiticides, were monitored in the basement, main level, and upstairs area of a treated home. Aldrin and dieldrin concentrations were measured in the home between September 1987 and April 1995. Aldrin and dieldrin concentrations were highest in the basement, where the aldrin and dieldrin had been applied. Aldrin concentrations decreased with a half-life of 16 months in both the main level and basement of the home, but dieldrin concentrations remained the same over the study period. In 1995, we expanded our measurements to include the indoor and outdoor air concentrations of a set of organochlorine compounds used as pesticides. These compounds include aldrin, dieldrin, four chlordanes, pentachloroanisole, and the hexachlorocyclohexanes. All compounds except the hexachlorocyclohexanes had higher indoor than outdoor air concentrations, implying that their sources were in the home. In the indoor air, aldrin, dieldrin, and the chlordanes had higher concentrations in the basement than on the main level, indicating a basement source. Pentachloroanisole was evenly distributed throughout the indoor air, implying that it does not originate in the basement. Two remediation attempts were made to stop aldrin and dieldrin from infiltrating into the home. First, the basement walls were covered with tar and plastic to form a barrier against the foundation. Second, the basement air pressure was manipulated. While the tar and plastic appear to have had little effect, creating a positive indoor air pressure lowered the air concentrations of the two pesticides.

The ability to gather real‐time and near real‐time data on marine mammal distribution, movement, and habitat use has advanced significantly over the past two decades. These advances have outpaced their adoption into a meaningful, risk‐based assessment framework so critically needed to support society's growing demands for a transition to increased reliance on renewable energy. Marine acoustics have the capacity to detect, identify, and locate vocalizations over broad areas. Photogrammetric and image processing increases the ability to visually detect animals from surface or aerial platforms. Ecological models based on long‐term observational data coupled with static and remotely sensed oceanographic data are able to predict daily and seasonal habitat suitability. Extensive monitoring around anthropogenic activities, combined with controlled experiments of exposure parameters (i.e., sound), supports better informed decisions on reducing effects. Population models and potential consequence modeling provide the ability to estimate the significance of individual and population exposure. The collective capacities of these emerging technical approaches support a risk ranking and risk management approach to monitoring and mitigating effects on marine mammals related to development activities. The monitoring paradigm related to many offshore energy‐related activities, however, has long been spatially limited, situationally myopic, and operationally uncertain. A case evaluation process is used to define and demonstrate the changing paradigm of effective monitoring aimed at protecting living resources and concurrently providing increased certainty that essential activities can proceed efficiently. Recent advances in both technologies and operational approaches are examined to delineate a risk‐based paradigm, driven by a diversity of regional data inputs, that is capable of meeting the imperative for timely development of offshore wind energy. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:939–949. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

A study was performed to evaluate the potential biological impacts from 8 different miscellaneous discharges from an oil and gas mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) including deck drainage, desalination unit waste, boiler blowdown, fire control system test water, noncontact cooling water, and bilge water. Samples were evaluated for toxicity using a rapid (<1 h) initial screening test (echinoderm [Dendraster excentricus] fertilization test), and if toxicity was found, further testing was conducted using 3 chronic whole‐effluent toxicity tests. This additional testing included the embryo larval development 72‐h echinoderm (D. excentricus); 7‐d mysid (Americamysis bahia) survival, growth, and fecundity invertebrate test; and 7‐d topsmelt (Atherinops affinis) survival and growth fish test. Toxicity identification evaluations were performed on 3 discharges that consistently elicited a toxic response during whole‐effluent toxicity testing. To place the results of the toxicity testing into the context of environmental risk, the spatial extent of potential biological effects was investigated using the CORMIX mixing zone model. The output of the modeling indicated that discharge of selected effluents did not result in concentrations, or duration of exposure, that would elicit toxic effects to organisms living in the surrounding environment. The present study provides a comprehensive data set that was used to characterize potential toxicity and environmental risk of MODU “miscellaneous discharges” which could help inform future risk assessments of these discharges. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:2811–2823. © 2019 SETAC

The Gulf of Mexico is a unique cultural, ecological, and oceanographic environment and host to diverse stakeholders from public to private users. The balance between an expanding coastal population and increasing demands on its natural resources requires diligent, and ideally real-time, monitoring to protect lives, property, and the environment. Shell Exploration and Production Company is working with academic and federal government partners (Federal -