News - 2020
24. November 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Strategy for assessing sediment quality in Switzerland
After 6 years, the assessment concept for sediment quality in Switzerland is in the home straight. In addition to a harmonised method for sampling and sample preparation, a list of substances for regular sediment monitoring has been developed, as well as sediment quality criteria and an evaluation system.
Read more20. November 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
Less pesticides for streams in Thurgau
In the canton of Thurgau, experts from the offices are working with farmers to reduce the pollution of watercourses with pesticides. Bioassays with water and sediment samples show that the ecotoxicological status of streams is currently significantly impaired.
Read more17. November 2020, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Biomonitoring for plant production products in Switzerland
A monitoring concept for residues in Swiss agricultural soils is currently being developed as part of the action plan for the reduction of risks and sustainable use of plant protection products. The most important steps are the development of ecotoxicological guidance values for soils and the selection of suitable biological indicators.
Read more13. November 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
Genetic barcodes for sediment assessment
The sediment quality in lakes and rivers can be assessed by studying the composition of oligochaete communities present in situ. The use of high-throughput sequencing allows the reliable identification of oligochaetes and makes this bioindication method accessible.
Read more13. November 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
All results of the SYNAQUA project are now available online!
In the Interreg project SYNAQUA researchers from Switzerland and France have established genetic methods for the biomonitoring of surface waters. All results of the project are now available online.
Read more27. October 2020, Topic: Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecotoxicological effects of polyacrylamides and polyacrylates in agriculture
Polyacrylamides and polyacrylates can be used as soil conditioners. But since most chemical regulations do not apply to polymers, little is known about their ecotoxicological effects. A report summarises the current state of knowledge.
Read more02. September 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
New faces at the Ecotox Centre
We welcome our new colleagues Alena Tierbach and Carolin Riegraf.
Read more09. July 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Info sheet on PFAS in the environment
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are very stable and accumulate worldwide in the environment and in organisms. A new info sheet gives information on their occurrence, their toxicity and the regulatory context.
Read more18. May 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
Ecotoxicity of tire wear particles
Every year, several thousand tonnes of tire wear particles, consisting of a complex mixture of rubber particles and road material, are released into the environment and are contaminated with numerous pollutants. In a new project, the Ecotox Centre is working to improve our understanding of the bioavailability and toxicity of tire wear particles.
Read more18. May 2020, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
Detection of pollutants in food packaging
Food packaging contains complex mixtures of chemicals. A new method can sensitively measure their toxicity and help to find out which substances are responsible for the toxicity.
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