News

20. January 2017, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology

Students learn about ecotoxicology

In which ways can earthworms assist us? What are bioassays used for? The Ecotox Centre answered these and other questions to high school pupils at the EPFL's Journées des gymnasiens.

06. December 2016, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology

SSSS Annual Meeting 9th/10th February 2017 in Berne

On 9th/10th of February 2017, the annual meeting of the Soil Science Society of Switzerland will be held in Berne. The topic will be "Soil Science and Soil Protection: a Challenge across Boundaries".

29. November 2016, Topic: Sediment Ecotoxicology , Aquatic Ecotoxicology

Oligochaetes indicate sediment quality

Aquatic oligchaetes are well suited for the assessment of biological sediment quality. However, difficulties with their species determination inhibit their use as routine indicator organisms. A genetic species determination using genetic barcodes could change the situation and promote the application of the method.

22. November 2016, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology

Bioassays assess ozonation and post-treatment of wastewater

Ozonation is an established treatment technology to remove micropollutants from wastewater. However, labile toxic reaction products may be formed during ozonation. Therefore, a biological post-treatment step is needed. Using bioassays, the Ecotox Centre has assessed how efficient ecotoxicological effects are reduced by ozonation in combination with various post-treatment technologies.

22. November 2016, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Neonicotinoids - harmful to soil organisms?

The neonicotinoids imidacloprid and clothianidin were detected in soil of sugar beet, wheat and corn fields as well as in soil of ecological compensation areas. The toxicity of the substances to the beneficial springtail was determined. It was shown that the measured concentrations represent a potential risk for springtail health.

22. November 2016, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Risk assessment of transformation products of pharmaceuticals

Not only pharmaceuticals but also their transformation products may pollute our surface waters. However, the assessment of their ecotoxicological risk is difficult because data on their ecotoxicity are often missing. In a case study, the Ecotox Centre compares the existing assessment methods.

20. November 2016, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Legally binding effect-based quality criteria for Switzerland

The Ecotox Centre is currently adapting numerous proposals for quality criteria before they become legally binding in 2018.

18. November 2016, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology

Estrogens from agriculture

A joint project by Agroscope and the Ecotox Centre investigates the discharge and fate of natural estrogens from agriculture. The aim is to quantitatively assess the occurrence, the behaviour and the importance of estrogens from agriculture for surface waters in Switzerland. The project is financed by the Federal Office for the Environment.

27. October 2016, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology