News
04. 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".
Read more29. 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.
Read more22. 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.
Read more22. 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.
Read more22. 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.
Read more20. 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.
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