News - Soil Ecotoxicology

26. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

A look back at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht

A look back at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht

We are looking back to an exciting week at SETAC 2026 in Maastricht. It was a great place to share our latest findings with colleagues, discuss our work, and gain fresh inspiration through stimulating exchanges.

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19. May 2026, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Swiss birds of prey widely contaminated with rodenticides

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.

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12. May 2026, Topic: Risk Assessment , Soil Ecotoxicology

How Dangerous Are Contaminated Military Sites?

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.

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08. May 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Oekotoxzentrum in SRF Einstein on the risks of PFAS

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.

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22. April 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Course: One Health - Concept, case studies, challenges and implementation, 23. June 2026

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.

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08. January 2026, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology

Safer receipts without bisphenols

Safer receipts without bisphenols

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new formula for thermal paper that is free of harmful bisphenols. According to toxicological studies conducted by the Ecotox Center, the wood-based substitutes used are significantly less problematic than traditional substances.

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13. November 2025, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Monitoring concept for plant protection products in Swiss soils

Monitoring concept for plant protection products in Swiss soils

The Ecotox Centre is working with the National Soil Monitoring Programme (NABO) / Agroscope and EnviBioSoil on a concept for monitoring pesticide residues in Swiss agricultural soils. The project is part of the federal government's action plan for risk reduction and sustainable use of pesticides. Project manager and soil ecotoxicologist Mathieu Renaud reports on the progress made so far.

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31. October 2025, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Panel Discussion "Gewässer in Gefahr" 3.11., 19.00

Panel Discussion "Gewässer in Gefahr" 3.11., 19.00

On Monday, 3 November at 7 p.m., Cornelia Kienle will take part in the Körber-Foundation's panel discussion "Gewässer in Gefahr" in Hamburg. Online participation is possible via livestream.

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27. August 2025, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Dialogue Day 2025 in Bern

Dialogue Day 2025 in Bern

During a dialogue day, the Ecotox Centre presented its current projects and exchanged ideas with stakeholders from various fields.

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20. August 2025, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Ecotox Centre in RTS A Bon Entendeur on tire residues

Ecotox Centre in RTS A Bon Entendeur on tire residues

Every year, more than 10,000 tonnes of tire abrasion are generated in Switzerland, containing potentially problematic substances. Some of these compounds can end up in fruit or vegetables – a new environmental problem that raises important questions for health and ecosystems.

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