Good modeling practice guidelines for applying multimedia models in chemical assessments

Research output: Journal contributionsJournal articlesResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Andreas Buser
  • Matthew MacLeod
  • Martin Scheringer
  • Donald Mackay
  • Mark Bonnell
  • Mark Russell
  • Joe DePinto
  • Konrad Hungerbuehler
Multimedia mass balance models of chemical fate in the environment have been used for over 3 decades in a regulatory context to assist decision making. As these models become more comprehensive, reliable, and accepted, there is a need to recognize and adopt principles of Good Modeling Practice (GMP) to ensure that multimedia models are applied with transparency and adherence to accepted scientific principles. We propose and discuss 6 principles of GMP for applying existing multimedia models in a decision-making context, namely 1) specification of the goals of the model assessment, 2) specification of the model used, 3) specification of the input data, 4) specification of the output data, 5) conduct of a sensitivity and possibly also uncertainty analysis, and finally 6) specification of the limitations and limits of applicability of the analysis. These principles are justified and discussed with a view to enhancing the transparency and quality of model-based assessments.
Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational Environmental Assessment Policy & Management
Volume8
Issue number4
Pages (from-to)703-708
Number of pages6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10.2012

    Research areas

  • Chemistry
  • Decision making, Good practice, Hazard assessment, Industrial chemicals, Modeling, Multimedia models, Risk assessment

DOI