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 the top of food chains a model for biomagnification in terrestrial food chains was developed: BIOMAG. The model is worked out for the vertebrates roe deer, kestrel, barn owl and weasel. In this article the method is described and subjected to a sensitivity analysis and a validation, 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 kestrel were similar to the measured values, but the predicted concentrations in the barn owl were much to high. Inaccurate physiological parameters are probably the reason for this discrepancy.