Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
has become a well-known and understandable basic measure for characterizing and
quantifying environmental risk.
An effect-based approach is necessary for the environmental risk assessment of
chemical substances; the risk itself originates from the adverse effects. The “no adverse
effect'' criterion is important for the definition of the target of risk reduction mea-
sures and for the selection of the remedial measures, which can fulfill this target. The
proper establishment of environmental monitoring is closely related to existing and
measurable adverse effects. Integrated environmental monitoring combines traditional
chemical analyses with biological monitoring, namely measuring adverse effects. Legal
background and environmental regulations apply environmental quality criteria, limit
values, maximum allowable concentrations, etc. which are effect-based values in the
modern environmental legislation.
9.4 Risk reduction measures
Environmental Risk Reduction
(ERR) means to lower the probability and the degree
of damage. It may be achieved by either of the following:
-
Decreasing the amount or concentration of the dangerous agent or substance in
the environment;
-
Lowering its chance to interact with the receptors.
The amount of the dangerous agent or substance can be decreased by the following:
-
Preventing its emission by using less or none at all;
-
Turning to a technology which produces less emission;
-
Eliminating the source;
-
Close/isolate the source;
-
Close/isolate the transport route;
-
Remediate the polluted, endangered, deteriorated environmental compartment.
The chance of the dangerous agent or polluting substance to develop its effect can
be mitigated by the following:
-
Restrictions of the land uses and land users (do not enter, no fishing, etc.);
-
Reducing the accessibility and availability of the agent or substance by physical
confinement or by changing its chemical form to a less mobile one; decreasing
mobility is understood in the widest sense, including the reduction of volatility,
water solubility, solid transport, biological accessibility and availability.
-
Protecting receptors; this is mainly realistic for human targets by restriction of
land uses and consumption. Protective equipment and clothing, applied mainly
against occupational exposures to reduce accessibility.
For the mitigation of the risk of contaminated and abandoned land we can use
remedial technologies based on the following:
-
The mobilization or immobilization of the contaminants in air, water or soil;
-
Physical, chemical, biological or ecological transformations and other procedures;
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