Research Product

The discussion resulting from the session on the extrapolation of laboratory data to natural environmental situations dealt with three major problem areas: (I) the steps and decision points involved in providing definite exposure concentration estimates, (II) the experimental limitations to biodegradation rate constants, and (III) the assessment of the effects of environmental parameters on degradation rates and their integration into predictive mathematical models. All of these problems indicated a need for more research before definitive extrapolations can be made. It appears, however, that our approaches to the problem of extrapolation are headed in the right direction and that the results coming from various research laboratories lead to a certain degree of optimism. As discussed in the papers presented in this session and others, the potential of reducing biodegradation rates to simple descriptive rate constants which may be applicable over a large range of environmental variables is indeed exciting. Certainly, the ensuing discussions indicated that the rate constant approach was a provocative concept which should greatly stimulate and orient a data-gathering effort. This effort could eventually culminate in an appreciation of biodegradation rates which would substantially increase our confidence in making exposure concentration predictions through the extrapolation of laboratory data to the environment.