Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility workshop

A comprehensive one-day workshop on refining human health risk assessment through the use of bioavailability and bioaccessibility techniques.

When considering exposure to environmental contaminants, chemical daily intake may be quantified by considering exposure magnitude, frequency and duration. Exposure magnitude will be influenced by the concentration of the contaminant in various matrices but also by its bioavailability (i.e. the proportion of the total contaminant concentration that is absorbed into the systemic circulation following ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact).

Contaminant bioavailability may be influenced by a number of physiological parameters in addition to physico-chemical properties of the contaminant and its matrix. In the absence of site-specific data, the default bioavailability value for a number of contaminants of concern is 100%. It is assumed that contaminant bioavailability is equivalent to that in the exposure medium used to derive the toxicity value. Acknowledging that default values may not reflect all variables that influence contaminant bioavailability, site-specific assessment may be performed where such assessments are deemed feasible and valuable for improving the characterisation of risk at a given site.

This workshop provides a comprehensive overview of contaminant bioavailability concepts. It draws upon research and industry specialists to deliver presentations on the assessment of bioavailability, factors influencing bioavailability outcomes and its utilisation for the refinement of human health risk assessment.

Introduction

• Exposure pathways
• Bioavailability and bioaccessibility concepts
• Factors influencing bioavailability and bioaccessibility

Method for the assessment of contaminant bioavailability

• Large and small animal models
• Biological endpoints and dosing schemes
• Range in bioavailability values derived for inorganic contaminants
• Range in bioavailability values derived for organic contaminants

Methods for the assessment of contaminant bioaccessibility

• Methods available
• Variability in bioaccessibility values as a result of assay parameters
• Range in bioaccessibility values derived for inorganic contaminants
• Range in bioaccessibility values derived for organic contaminants
• Lines of evidence approach – complementary data

Use of in vitro assays as a surrogate measure of contaminant bioavailability

• Inorganic contaminants
• Organic contaminants
• Inclusion of bioaccessibility into human health risk assessment
• Case studies for arsenic, lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Things to consider when assessing bioaccessibility

• Open discussion

Dr Albert Juhasz is an Associate Research Professor within the Future Industries Institute at the University of South Australia, Adelaide. Albert has been involved in contaminant research for the past 24 years. He is a research leader in the fields of contaminant bioavailability-bioaccessibility and exposure assessment. Albert is internationally recognised for his innovative, cross-disciplinary research on the refinement of human health exposure through the assessment of contaminant bioavailability-bioaccessibility. Over the past 10 years, Albert has led the development of one of the largest contaminant bioavailability-bioaccessibility databases worldwide. 

• Super Saver registration (register and pay before 31 January 2018): $495 + GST
• Standard registration (register and pay before 28 February 2018): $595 + GST
• Last minute registration (register and pay after 28 February 2018): $650 + GST

Pricing is for WasteMINZ members only. Non-members incur a loading fee of $100 per attendee.

Click here to register your spot.