Incorporation of Heavy Metals Bioavailability into Risk Characterization

The bioavailability of field‐aged Cd and Cu was calculated, and compared to the total concentrations determined by acid digestion. Only 0.60–4.15% for Cd and 0.59–9.43% for Cu were found to be bioavailable when determined by stomach‐phase extraction. The incorporation of bioavailability reduced more than 90% of the calculated risk of the metals at the site of study. It should be noted that such a reduction may not be generalized and the site‐specific bioavailability needs to be determined case by case. The bioavailability of field‐aged Cd and Cu was estimated by stomach‐phase extraction. More than 90% reduction of the calculated risk were determined by site‐specific bioavailability. However, the site‐specific bioavailability needs to be determined case by case.