The role of models in ecological risk assessment: A 1990's perspective

Abstract

Abstract Previously published reviews of mathematical models available for ecological risk assessment have emphasized population and ecosystem modeling approaches originally developed 20 years ago or more. Discussions of applications have focused on quantifying ecological effects of toxic chemicals and pesticides. This review emphasizes (a) modeling approaches developed within the last decade; (b) applications to a broad array of environmental problems on local, regional, and global scales; and (c) the relevance of different types of models to different components of the risk assessment process.