Ecological Risk Assessment Tools
Online databases and other sources of information used in Ecological Risk Assessments:
These links provide information that may be useful in preparing an ecological risk assessment (ERA). The information includes life-history data, tools to assist in developing ERAs, modelling information, and other resources providing information on the processes and procedures for ecological risk assessment. Information on various screening benchmarks can be found on the Screening Numbers page
U.S. EPA Region 5 makes no promise that the information presented therein is correct. Always be sure to consult with a regional Superfund ecologist to verify that the use of any and all toxicity values and life history information is acceptable. References and links via this webpage are not endorsements of the information on those websites.
Wildlife Exposure Factors (WEF) - Life history information of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians
U.S. EPA ECOTOX Database system
The ECOTOXicology database is a source for locating single chemical toxicity
data for aquatic life, terrestrial plants and wildlife. ECOTOX integrates
three toxicology effects databases: AQUIRE (aquatic life), PHYTOTOX (terrestrial
plants), and TERRETOX (terrestrial wildlife). These databases were created
by the U.S. EPA, Office of Research and Development (ORD), and the National
Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Mid-Continent
Ecology Division.
U.S. EPA
AQUATOX
AQUATOX is a simulation model for aquatic systems. AQUATOX
predicts the fate of various pollutants, such as nutrients and organic
chemicals, and their effects on the ecosystem, including fish, invertebrates,
and aquatic plants. AQUATOX is a valuable tool for ecologists, biologists,
water quality modelers, and anyone involved in performing ecological
risk assessments for aquatic ecosystems.
Spatial Analysis and Decision
Assistant Software (SADA):
Software developed to assist in analyzing the spatial distribution of
contaminants at sites. It also can calculate Hazard
Quotients and assist in sampling plans.