Implementation of bioavailability in standard setting and risk assessment?

Conclusions On the basis of the discussion of the fact sheets during the workshop, it is advised to: •implement the proposed method for normalization of levels of organic compounds on the basis of elementary carbon present in the substrate towards (Dutch) standard sediment and standard soil; •decide to modify the existing standards for local natural background levels, as a short-term solution to substitute for the current practices in the Netherlands of normalization on the basis of so-called standard soil or sediment. This provided that a trajectory for the incorporation of bioavailability is initiated; •establish clusters of research groups that are commissioned to prepare proposals for an implementation of the six topics for which it is foreseen that implementation is possible within 1–3 years, such as DOC-correction for copper in water (Box 1). This included an investigation of ways of financing the necessary research activities; •look for broader (international) support for further research activities and ways of implementation within an international framework (EU) for all options with a timeframe >3 years. The recommendations of the workshop might be one of the criteria for the selection of research proposals within the area of bioavailability; •stay alert on new developments within the broad area of bioavailability and continue looking for ways of implementing the most promising new insights.