Accumulation-depuration data collection in support of toxicokinetic modelling

Regulatory bodies require bioaccumulation evaluation of chemicals within organisms to better assess toxic risks. Toxicokinetic (TK) data are particularly useful in relating the chemical exposure to the accumulation and depuration processes happening within organisms. TK models are used to predict internal concentrations when experimental data are lacking or difficult to access, such as within target tissues. The bioaccumulative property of chemicals is quantified by metrics calculated from TK model parameters after fitting to data collected via bioaccumulation tests. In bioaccumulation tests, internal concentrations of chemicals are measured within organisms at regular time points during accumulation and depuration phases. The time course is captured by TK model parameters thus providing bioaccumulation metrics. But rawTK data remain difficult to access, most often provided within papers as plots. To increase availability ofTK data, we developed an innovative database from data extracted in the scientific literature to support TK modelling. Freely available, our database can dynamically evolve thanks to any researcher interested in sharing data to be findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable.

Automated summary

This article discusses the regulatory requirement for bioaccumulation evaluation of chemicals within organisms and the use of toxicokinetic (TK) data to predict internal concentrations. To increase the availability of TK data, researchers have developed an innovative database to support TK modelling.