Source, pathway, and receptor (SPR) risk assessments are a framework used in environmental risk assessment to systematically evaluate and understand the potential impacts of contaminants on human health and the environment. This approach helps identify sources of contamination, pathways through which contaminants may migrate or be transported, and receptors that may be exposed to the contaminants. The assessment considers the interactions between these elements to estimate the likelihood and magnitude of potential risks.
Source: The source refers to the origin or release point of contaminants into the environment. Sources can include industrial facilities, waste disposal sites, agricultural activities, transportation emissions, and natural sources such as volcanic eruptions or wildfires. Identifying and characterising sources is essential for understanding the types and quantities of contaminants being released and for prioritising risk management efforts.
Pathway: The pathway describes the route or mechanism through which contaminants move from the source to potential receptors. Pathways can include air dispersion, water transport, soil migration, bioaccumulation in food chains, and direct contact with contaminated media. Evaluating pathways involves assessing the physical, chemical, and biological processes that govern the movement and transformation of contaminants in the environment.
Receptor: The receptor refers to the organisms, ecosystems, or human populations that may be exposed to contaminants and potentially affected by their presence. Receptors can include humans, wildlife, aquatic organisms, plants, soil microorganisms, and sensitive ecosystems. Assessing receptors involves identifying and characterising the vulnerabilities, sensitivities, and exposure pathways of different receptor populations.
Vysus supports our clients in conducting SPR risk assessments through a SPR framework.
Identification of sources: Identifying and characterising potential sources of contamination, including point sources (e.g., industrial facilities) and diffuse sources (e.g., agricultural runoff).
Evaluation of pathways: Assessing the pathways through which contaminants may migrate or be transported, considering factors such as environmental media (air, water, soil), transport mechanisms (advection, diffusion), and exposure routes (inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact).
Characterisation of receptors: Identifying and characterizing the receptors that may be exposed to contaminants, including human populations, ecological receptors, and sensitive habitats or ecosystems.
Risk estimation: Estimating the likelihood and magnitude of potential risks by integrating information on contaminant sources, pathways, and receptors. This may involve quantitative modelling, exposure assessments, toxicity evaluations, and risk characterisation.
Risk management: Developing strategies to mitigate or manage identified risks, including pollution prevention measures, remediation actions, regulatory controls, and public health interventions.