Estimating spatial distribution of exposure by integrating radiotelemetry, computer simulation, and geographic information system (GIS) techniques

Abstract

Abstract The presence of native wildlife species at a chemical production facility provides an interesting opportunity to assess the movement, uptake, and potential impact of pollutants in the environment. Representatives of a wildlife species that serve as sentinels for adverse health effects can be captured and radio collared to determine their movement patterns and home range by telemetry. Data on the characteristics of the point source air release were used in a Gaussian plume model to provide estimates of ambient air contaminant levels. These concentration and telemetry data were then mapped spatially using land use/land cover data in a geographic information system (GIS) to develop an integrated exposure estimate. This was then used to predict study areas that may be of ecological concern and that may warrant further investigation for potentially adverse effects in wildlife populations at other contaminated sites.