News - Aquatic Ecotoxicology
24. November 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Estrogens in surface waters - Screening and risk assessment for Europe
In the framework of an international project, European water samples were analysed for estrogens using various biological and chemical methods. Bioassays based on cell cultures were shown to be well suited to detect the substances that are to be monitored across Europe.
Read more24. November 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Immunotoxicity: an underestimated ecotoxicological effect of chemicals
Numerous substances influence the ability of wild animals to cope with pathogens. However, there are no established bioassays in ecotoxicology to screen environmental samples and chemicals for immunotoxic effects. The Ecotox Centre would like to improve this situation.
Read more24. November 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Info sheet on pyrethroides
Pyrethroids are among the most frequently used pesticides in the world. For this reason, the Ecotox Centre has published a new info sheet on the emissions, mechanism of action, toxicity and risk of the substances.
Read more23. November 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
How long to collect water samples?
If the measured concentration of a substance in surface waters exceeds its quality criterion, the water quality is assessed as poor. But over which time period should the water sample be collected and the concentration be averaged?
Read more01. June 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecosystem stress caused by micropollutants
Micropollutants enter rivers and streams in effluents discharged from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). As well as having adverse impacts on individual species, these substances appear to alter aquatic ecosystem functions, such as litter decomposition.
Read more30. May 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecotoxicological risks in small streams are high
A comprehensive monitoring study in small Swiss streams shows that these are often heavily contaminated with plant protection products. The ecotoxicological risk due to the pollutant mixtures was high at four of the five examined sites and the water quality therefore considered to be bad. Due to the long-term exposure, there were no time for recovery for the water organisms.
Read more30. May 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Priorisation of pollutants for sediment monitoring in Switzerland
The Ecotox Centre has prioritised organic pollutants for sediment monitoring. The resulting list provides a basis for the sediment module of the Modular Stepwise Procedure.
Read more23. May 2017, Topic: Sediment Ecotoxicology , Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Do stormwater overflows in Lake Geneva contribute to sediment pollution?
Trough the discharge of untreated rainwater, surface waters can be contaminated with heavy metals and organic pollutants. A combination of chemical and biological studies has shown that these substances in Lake Geneva reach the sediments and lead to a shift towards more resistant species.
Read more23. May 2017, Topic: Sediment Ecotoxicology , Aquatic Ecotoxicology
A new system for the biomonitoring of surface waters
Biotests with whole organisms that can be used in the field provide a direct link between environmental pollution and biological effects. The Ecotox Centre has developed a new system with chironomids that measures the contamination of suspended matter.
Read more23. May 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Aquatic fungi - a neglected class
Aquatic fungi degrade organic material and thereby play a key role in the food web of freshwater ecosystems. However, the organisms are not considered in the risk assessment of fungicides. This should change, the ecotoxic center feels.
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