(1) Institute of Environmental Systems Research, University of Osnabrück, D-49069 Osnabrück, Germany
Abstract:
Regional PECs (Potential Environmental Concentrations) calculated with the software EUSES were compared with measured values
using different emission and environmental distribution scenarios. The environmental data set recommended in EUSES (default
data set) represents a generic standard region. In different scenarios the parameters of the generic region are replaced by
concrete values, and estimated parameters (emissions, degradation rates and partition coefficients) are substituted by measured
or investigated values. Deviations with regard to the measured values can be up to three orders of magnitude. Despite the
basically conservative approximations, underestimations can occur. However, these are usually due to poor monitoring data
or inappropriate input values. The use of regional data instead of default parameters only slightly ameliorates the results.
The use of real emission and degradation rates alone can improve the results significantly.