Metals in the Human Environment Strategic Network (MITHE-SN): The Interface of Risk Assessment, Public Policy, and Advocacy

Abstract

A 5-year strategic research network with a diverse base of industry, government, and academic partners was approved for support by National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) on January 3, 2005. This Metals in the Human Environment Strategic Network (MITHE-SN) builds on, and further extends, science knowledge developed by the NSERC-sponsored Metals in the Environment Research Network (MITE-RN, 1999–2004). In addition to the initial award, the MITHE-SN received an additional 2-year grant specifically targeted to (1) enhance training opportunities for internships with international organizations, (2) increase international networking and linkages, and (3) optimize knowledge dissemination and technology transfer. The research program is comprised of three themes and represents a cascade of effects along food webs, from the lowest trophic levels to the highest consumers. Each of the themes addresses issues related to distinguishing the magnitudes and roles of natural background and anthropogenic metal inputs in biotic exposure to metals; estimating the bioavailable fraction of metals in the exposure media, thus better quantifying the true exposure concentration; and determining the factors that influence bioavailability of metals in media, so that predictive models can be developed for use in the development of site-specific metals criteria.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We gratefully acknowledge NSERC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Health Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Environment Canada, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, the Canadian Grain Commission, the International Plant Nutrition Institute, the Mining Association of Canada, the Ecotoxicity Technical Advisory Panel (ETAP member companies are International Lead Zinc Research Organization, the International Copper Association, Ltd., the Nickel Producers' Environmental Research Association, the Cobalt Development Association, U.S. Borax, and the International Council on Mining and Metals), Terratec Environmental—An American Water Services Company, and Jacques Whitford Environment Limited.

Summaries of Network research projects, publication citations, and research updates may be accessed on the MITHE-SN web site, www.mithe-sn.org.