← Elaine Ingham · Research and publications
Soil contamination calls for biological assessment too
An EPA technical report brings together methods linking chemical contamination with effects on plants, animals and microorganisms.
Technical report published:
A guide to selecting methods
Linder, Ingham, Brandt and Henderson compiled biological tests for ecological assessment of contaminated sites. The report organises methods for plants, animals and soil microorganisms, linking their selection with habitat and assessment questions. [1]
Building a picture from different evidence
The proposed approach combines chemical analyses, toxicity tests and field observations. It includes survival, growth and other biological responses to examine exposure effects at several ecological levels. [1]
Restoration needs clear goals
For a contaminated site, we need to define which functions should recover. Soil quality connects with vegetation, organisms and land use. This connection supports monitoring design.
Background for the Center
The report interests us as a historical methodological foundation for biological assessment. Selecting protocols and interpreting analyses today requires cooperation with appropriate laboratories and specialists for the particular contaminant and location.
Sources and references
- Linder, G., Ingham, E.R., Brandt, C.J. & Henderson, G. (1992). Evaluation of Terrestrial Indicators for Use in Ecological Assessments at Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA/600/R-92/183. US Environmental Protection Agency, September 1992. Original publication and study record