Abstract |
The National Exposure Research Laboratory's Ecosystems Research Division (ERD) in Athens, Georgia, conducts research on organic and inorganic chemicals, greenhouse gas biogeochemical cycles, and land use perturbations that create direct and indirect, chemical and non-chemical stresses, exposures, and potential risks to humans and ecosystems. ERD develops, tests, applies and provides technical support for exposure and ecosystem response models used for assessing and managing risks to humans and ecosystems, within a watershed / regional context. The Regulatory Support Branch (RSB) conducts problem-driven and applied research, develops technology tools, and provides technical support to customer Program and Regional Offices, States, Municipalities, and Tribes. Models are distributed and supported via the EPA Center for Exposure Assessment Modeling (CEAM) and through access to Internet tools. At the request of the US EPA Oil Program Center, ERD is developing an oil spill model that focuses on fate and transport of oil components under various response scenarios. This model includes various simulation options, including the use of chemical dispersing agents on oil slicks. The dispersant simulation is backed by empirical data on the effectiveness of dispersants and oil composition and properties. The model is offered as a tool for oil spill response and planning. |