Conceptual Model for Bioaccumulation
The Estuary is listed as impaired for many contaminants as a result of elevated concentrations observed in biota. Being able to model the impact of contaminants on biota is critical to successfully managing the Bay. The spatial extent and temporal scale of contaminant fate models for the Bay will be governed in part by the biological processes of interest. Therefore, it is necessary to develop and maintain conceptual models of the key biological processes. This project will develop a conceptual model of contaminant uptake by biota. The model will emphasize the roles of sediment and biota movement, drivers of spatial and temporal variation in contaminant exposure, variability in food web uptake, and attributes of local organisms (e.g., lipid and body size).
