News
12. May 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Microplastics in the environment
Plastic particles are everywhere - in water, in soil and also in food. But too little is known about the effects of the particles on ecosystems and humans. Therefore, the risk assessment of the substances remains difficult. The Ecotox Center informed about the current state of knowledge in an online course in January.
Read more10. May 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology

Chironomids measure suspended matter quality
The Ecotox Centre is working on a system to assess environmental quality based on biomarkers in chironomids.
Read more29. April 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment , Sediment Ecotoxicology

PFAS in Swiss sediments
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are very stable in the environment and are therefore detected almost everywhere. A new study investigates the occurrence of PFAS in Swiss sediments.
Read more28. April 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology

New projects to assess water quality
The Ecotox Centre has launched several new projects to improve the assessment of water quality.
Read more22. March 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

Early warning systems with potential: video
Online biomonitoring systems offer the possibility of real-time monitoring of wastewater with organisms and enable wastewater treatment plants to react immediately to acute pollution.
Read more14. January 2021, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment

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.
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