ISCORS Logo Parameter Source Catalog
Describes the purpose of the Parameter Source Catalog Find pertinent source documents by selecting the desired model/code, environmental media, exposure pathway, parameter name, and/or contaminant Search the environmental data sources using keywords or phrases. Search by author, title, report number, and/or abstract. Provides information on a parameter used in a model/code, including the expected parameter units, the environmental media most strongly associated with the parameter, and the exposure pathways dependent on the parameter Determine the parameters used by a model/code in an assessment by selecting the model/code and an exposure pathway Information on the model/codes supported. Latest version information, code manual listings, and contact information.

Tips on navigating the Parameter Source Catalog and finding the information you need Answers to frequently asked questions about finding data sources in the database Give us your comments and suggestions on improving the Parameter Source Catalog Suggest a document not included in the Catalog

Model Web Sites
DandD
EPA PRGs
GENII 2
RESRAD

Parameter Source Catalog Tutorial

PurposeThe Catalog was developed to provide a single, easy-to-use repository of information on the sources of data required in environmental assessments. If input data to an environmental risk model is required, the person responsible for the analysis can access the Catalog to find appropriate data sources (references) with the necessary information. Although the various government agencies have differing reasons to conduct such assessments, the models used are similar and the information provided in the Catalog is intended to be applicable to all such analyses. Further details on the Catalog purpose and need are given in the Mission Statement.
What it isThe Catalog is an Internet-based, searchable database of environmental model parameter data sources (references). The sources of data include peer-reviewed journal articles, government and industry technical reports, scientific books, professional conference proceedings, and related web sites. Model parameters considered were initially selected from four commonly used environmental risk models: DandD, EPA's Preliminary Remediation Goals (PRGs) for radionuclides, GENII 2, and RESRAD. More information on the models can be found by selecting the Model Information button on the menu bar or clicking here.
What it is notThe Catalog contains information on potentially relevant parameter data sources (where to find the data [references]), not the data itself. In addition, the references have been screened to assure that the data they contain could be useful in an environmental assessment, but such data is not meant to be construed as the default or approved values to be used in any one assessment model. Analysts conducting an environmental assessment are responsible for assuring that the data used as input parameters to a given model are suitable for their application. The Catalog is a tool in finding relevant information sources, but use of the sources and their data rests solely on the analyst. Most environmental models require site-specific parameter data as input. Information on data sources relevant to such model parameters as the contaminated area and depth to contamination are not covered in the Catalog because these parameters are only applicable to a specific site and are readily measured.
Site NavigationThe main menu on the left side of each web page allows for quick access to the different features of the Catalog web site. A number of the web pages are also interconnected. Click here to view a diagram of the web site layout and see how to get from one web page to another.
Parameter InformationCommon names - All four environmental risk models currently incorporated into the Catalog require comparable input parameter data, but often have a differing name for the same or similar parameter. In such a case, the Catalog groups such parameters under a common name. For those parameters in a model that do not have a corresponding parameter in one or more other models, the model-specific parameter name is used for the common name of the parameter. The ultimate goal of the Catalog is to provide data sources for any environmental model. The concept of the common name for a parameter helps facilitate the search for data when data is sought for an environmental model other than the four presently incorporated into the Catalog. Click here to view a cross-reference listing of the parameter common names with the model-specific parameter names.

Definitions and Methodologies - Simple definitions of and measurement methodologies for the parameters can be found in the General Parameter Information web page. Any symbols commonly used for a parameter are also presented on this web page.

Model-specific considerations - Model-specific parameter information can be found on the Parameter Information web page accessed through the Parameter Information menu button. The information provided includes the parameter's common name, its units of measure as used in the specific model, the exposure pathway(s) influenced by the parameter, the environmental media (air, water, soil, or crops/food) most closely associated with the parameter, and any additional model-specific information in a comment listing.

Data Source InformationThe Catalog contains the common types of bibliographic information for each data source listed, including title, author(s), publisher, and publication date. The abstract, if present in the source, is also available to provide the user additional information on the contents of the source. For a discussion on the levels of document verification performed for the Parameter Catalog web site, please click here
Search CapabilitiesSearch by subject - Accessed through the "Search by Subject" menu button, this search option allows the user to find the data sources according to five criteria: the environmental risk model, the exposure pathway considered, the associated environmental media, the common parameter name, and the contaminant. Each of the five criteria may be used independently or in any combination with the other criteria to narrow the search. This search option is the simplest and fastest search option in the Catalog to use because all possible relationships are predetermined for the user.

Search by text - Accessed through the "Search by Text" menu button, this search option is more general and allows the user to search the data sources by author, title, abstract, or report number.