News
23. 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.
Read more19. May 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology
New project combines thin-layer chromatography and bioassays
Water and food may contain mixtures of chemicals whose toxicity is difficult to assess with conventional analysis. Effect-based methods coupled with thin-layer chromatography and LC-MS/MS are a promising new method that could help.
Read more18. May 2017, Topic: Sediment Ecotoxicology , Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Visitors at the Ecotox Centre
In the last months, we have been able to welcome two visitors to the Ecotox Centre in Lausanne: Dr. Leire Méndez-Fernández of the University of the Basque Country in Spain and Stéphane Pesce of the National Research Institute of Science and Technology for Environment and Agriculture (irstea) in France.
Read more04. April 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Persistently high pesticide levels found in small streams
Small watercourses are contaminated with large numbers of herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. A new study shows that the legal requirements specified for water quality are not met in any of the five Swiss streams investigated. Indeed, thresholds for acute toxicity to aquatic organisms were also exceeded.
Read more20. March 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Info sheet on the evaluation of glyphosate
A new info sheet provides information on the (eco)toxicological evaluation of glyphosate and explains how the differences in the evaluation by various organisations come about.
Read more10. February 2017, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology
New report on measuring PCBs and dioxins in surface waters
This report evaluates the suitability of sediment analyses and of measurements with passive samplers in the water phase for localising PCB and dioxin sources. It is shown that PDMS passive samplers are well suited for this purpose.
Read more20. 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.
Read more06. 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".
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