The chemical database for the natural resource damage assessment model system

A chemical database (PHYSCHEM) was created to supply parameters to a natural resource damage assessment model for marine and coastal environments. The database contains 18 parametric entries for each of 469 substances, including 9 crude oils and petroleum products. Sources of parameters are also coded into the database. Procedures for selecting parameters from databases or estimating parameter values were quasi-automated through a classification coding system, such that chemicals could be automatically keyed to the correct estimation procedures. Quality control of physical/chemical parameters was achieved by comparing parameters contained in reference databases and literature with values obtained through various estimation procedures. Toxicological parameters were drawn from databases using an automated decision tree, based on levels of quality control applied to the original data. The final database is available to the public in hard copy and on floppy disk.