RESEARCH ARTICLE Ecological Risk Assessment of a Metal- Contaminated Area in the Tropics. Tier II: Detailed Assessment

This study presents data on the detailed evaluation (tier 2) of a site-specific ecological risk assessment (ssERA) in a former smelter area contaminated with metals (Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil). Combining information from three lines of evidence (LoE), chemical (Chem-LoE), ecotoxicological (EcotoxLoE) and ecological (EcoLoE), in the Triad approach, inte-grated risk values were calculated to rank sites and confirm the potential risk disclosed with tier 1. Risk values were calculated for the habitat and for the retention functions in each sampling point. Habitat function included the ChemLoE calculated from total metal concen-trations. The EcotoxLoE was based on reproduction tests with terrestrial invertebrates (Fol-somia candida, Enchytraeus crypticus, Eisenia andrei), shoot length and plant biomass (Avena sativa, Brassica rapa). For the EcoLoE, ecological parameters (microbial parame-ters, soil invertebrate community, litter breakdown) were used to derive risk values. Reten-tion function included the ChemLoE, calculated from extractable metal concentrations, and the EcotoxLoE based on eluate tests with aquatic organisms (Daphnia magna reproduction and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata growth). Results related to the habitat function indi