News
22. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Roads as a source of pollution: new challenges
When it comes to the release of hazardous substances from roads into the environment, the focus is increasingly shifting from traditional pollutants and particles to novel, and in some cases unknown, substances. The Ecotox Centre is investigating the ecotoxicological effects of road runoff and tire wear and is attempting to identify the most critical substances.
Read more19. May 2026, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Swiss birds of prey widely contaminated with rodenticides
The Ecotox Centre has analysed Swiss birds of prey for residues of rodenticides. The results are worrying: 92% of the buzzards and kestrels examined were contaminated with these persistent substances. Whilst direct deaths from poisoning were rare, the high level of sublethal contamination raises questions about the long-term health of our native birds of prey.
Read more12. May 2026, Topic: Risk Assessment , Soil Ecotoxicology
How Dangerous Are Contaminated Military Sites?
Soils at contaminated military sites contain numerous chemicals of ecotoxicological concern. A case study shows that an assessment based solely on chemical analyses falls short and cannot adequately predict toxicity. Additional bioassays and bioavailability measurements are necessary to comprehensively assess soil quality.
Read more08. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Oekotoxzentrum in SRF Einstein on the risks of PFAS
Risk specialist Alexandra Kroll talks to Katrin Hönegger from SRF Einstein about the significance of current PFAS contamination and assesses the situation.
Read more24. April 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
Dynamic pollutant carriers: The quality of suspended matter in Lake Geneva
Suspended matter is an often underestimated but crucial component of aquatic environments. It binds nutrients and pollutants and transports them through the water column. A new study from Lake Geneva shows how significantly the chemical and ecotoxicological quality of these particles can change over time – and what role extreme weather events, tributaries and biological processes play in this.
Read more22. April 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Course: One Health - Concept, case studies, challenges and implementation, 23. June 2026
Together with the Swiss Centre for Applied Human Toxicology (SCAHT), we are organising the continuing education course "One Health – Concept, case studies, challenges and implementation". The course can also be attended online.
Read more17. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Webinar: Quality monitoring in surface waters, 26.2.2026, 15.00-16.30 Uhr
A series of webinars organised by the German Water Chemistry Society highlights the opportunities and possibilities of bioassays for assessing water quality. The Ecotox Centre is hosting this webinar which was already offered in German last October.
Read more13. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Webinar: Bioassays for drinking water assessment on 24.2.2026, 14.30-16.00
A series of webinars organised by the German Water Chemistry Society highlights the opportunities and possibilities of bioassays for assessing water quality. The Ecotox Centre is hosting the third webinar on the use of effect-based methods for testing of drinking water.
Read more11. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecotox Centre in SRF Kassensturz programme on drain cleaners
Cornelia Kienle advised SRF Kassensturz on the evaluation of drain cleaners. These products contain many aggressive substances.
Read more10. February 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Rare earths pollute Zurich's waters
An investigation in the canton of Zurich has shown that certain rare earth elements can enter bodies of water via wastewater treatment plants in concentrations that pose a risk to aquatic organisms. These elements are gadolinium, which comes from contrast agents used in healthcare facilities, as well as lanthanum and cerium, which are used in a number of wastewater treatment plants to remove phosphorus.
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