PROBABILISTIC ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL MERCURY EXPOSURE

A methodology for the probabilistic assessment of regional exposure to mercury is presented. The methodology is based on a multimedia model of the atmospheric fate and transport of mercury over a continental sc ale, and the aquatic simulation of the transformation and bioaccumulat ion of mercury in lakes in the region of interest. A probabilistic app roach allows one to take into account the spatial variability of envir onmental characteristics and the variability of dose-related variables (e.g., fish consumption, body weight) among individuals. The methodol ogy is demonstrated for total mercury deposition in the Great Lakes re gion of the U.S.