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Prediction of contaminant accumulation by free‐living organisms: Applications of a sigmoidal model
Author(s) -
Brisbin I. Lehr,
Newman Michael C.,
McDowell Susan G.,
Peters Eric L.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620090203
Subject(s) - sigmoid function , gambusia , ecology , mosquitofish , biological system , biology , zoology , computer science , fish <actinopterygii> , artificial intelligence , fishery , artificial neural network
The accumulation of contaminants by free‐living organisms has traditionally been determined with permutations of the deterministic model: C t = C e (1 – e − kt ). However, studies utilizing a variety of species and exposure scenarios now suggest that significant deviations may occur from this classic form. In many cases noted to date, these deviations have involved a sigmoidal pattern of accumulation. While there may be no one single causal mechanism responsible for the expression of such a pattern in all cases studied, the application of a flexibly shaped Richards sigmoidal model can improve goodness of fit to the data relative to the classic model form. Several examples are presented for use of the Richards model: accumulation of 137 Cs by free‐living American coots ( Fulica americana ) and yellow‐bellied turtles ( Pseudemys scripta ), and Hg accumulation by mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ).