The results of a questionnaire- and interview-based study involving 151 Local Authority Contaminated 
Land Officers from England and Wales indicate that bioaccessibility is perceived as a useful tool 
that facilitates contaminated land management (70% of survey participants either ‘strongly agreed’ 
or ‘agreed’ with the statement). The study was conducted by the University of East Anglia in collaboration 
with the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health and Newcastle City Council. It was also apparent 
from the research that information on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, with a particular interest 
in benzo[a]pyrene is needed (indicated by 65% of survey participants) to aid decision-making on 
sites contaminated with these compounds. The Officers indicated lack of guidance (78%) and uncertainties 
associated with bioaccessibility (71%) as main constraints upon or barriers to the use of bioaccessibility. 
This research also determined models used by Local Authorities to evaluate land contaminated with 
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the frequency of bioremediation of PAH-contaminated land. 
     
     
The report and a further manuscript based on the study also contain a discussion on bioavailability 
and bioaccessibility terminology and social and institutional factors hampering the adoption 
of bioaccessibility within contaminated land decision-making.     
    
Survey on bioaccessibility implementation: http://www.cieh.org/policy/survey_bioaccessibility_implement 
    
    
For more information: alatawiec@gmail.com, a.latawiec@gaeainstitute.org