BIOMAG - A MODEL FOR BIOMAGNIFICATION IN TERRESTRIAL FOOD-CHAINS - THE CASE OF CADMIUM IN THE KEMPEN, THE NETHERLANDS

To estimate the risk of soil pollution to terrestrial vertebrates at t he top of food chains a model for biomagnification in terrestrial food chains was developed: BIOMAG. The model is worked out for the vertebr ates roe deer, kestrel, barn owl and weasel. In this article the metho d is described and subjected to a sensitivity analysis and a validatio n, focusing on the heavy metal cadmium (Cd). Highest risks concerning Cd pollution were predicted for roe deer and barn owl. The validation showed that the predicted concentrations of Cd in the roe deer and kes trel were similar to the measured values, but the predicted concentrat ions in the barn owl were much to high. Inaccurate physiological param eters are probably the reason for this discrepancy.