News
23. May 2024, Topic:
UV filters in Lake Geschinen
The Ecotox Centre has detected residues of sunscreen products in a popular bathing lake in Valais. The concentrations increased during bathing and were in the same order of magnitude as the provisional quality criteria for some substances. An in-depth investigation of the situation in Switzerland is planned.
Read more22. May 2024, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
In conversation with the "father" of the Ecotox Centre
Rik Eggen, former Deputy Director of Eawag, played a leading role in the founding of the Ecotox Centre in 2008 and was closely involved in its development until his retirement at the end of 2023, first as part of the Directorate and later as a representative of Eawag on the Host Institute Board. Here he looks back on his time with the Ecotox Centre.
Read more21. May 2024, Topic: Risk Assessment
How to consider mixture toxicity? New approaches for authorization and monitoring
Mixtures of chemicals in the environment pose major challenges for authorities, research and industry, as their risk is difficult to assess. The Ecotox Centre is helping to develop practical concepts in this area.
Read more17. May 2024, Topic:
News faces at the Ecotox Centre
Luca Gelshorn, Brianne Holmes, Océane Lafargue and Louveline Lépeule have recently joined our team at the Ecotox Centre.
Read more16. May 2024, Topic: Sediment Ecotoxicology
Genetic oligochaete index passes another milestone
Oligochaete communities in the field can provide information on sediment quality, but not all animals can be identified under the microscope. Researchers at the Ecotox Centre have developed a genetic identification method that has just been included as an expert report in the modular stepwise procedure.
Read more03. April 2024, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Revision of the Plant Protection Products Ordinance: Ecotox Centre says yes, but
The Ecotox Centre and Eawag welcome a total revision of the Plant Protection Products Ordinance (PPPO). However, the two institutes are calling for improvements on important points, such as the adoption of EU authorisations or the precautionary principle. The ordinance must ensure that other regulations such as the Water Protection or the Environmental Protection Act are not undermined.
Read more02. April 2024, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Ecotox Centre study leads to postulate in Zurich Cantonal Council
A recent study by the Ecotox Centre has shown that nature reserves are also contaminated with pesticides. A postulate based on this study has now been submitted to the Zurich Cantonal Council.
Read more18. March 2024, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Soil Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
PFAS course attracts interest
To provide comprehensive information about PFAS and their toxicity to the environment and humans, the Ecotox Centre has organised a course last week, which was attended by more than 80 participants.
Read more16. February 2024, Topic: Aquatic Ecotoxicology , Sediment Ecotoxicology , Risk Assessment
Info sheet on sunscreens in surface waters
Sunscreens protect us against skin cancer, but can also be harmful to organisms in lakes. A new Ecotox Centre info sheet provides information about the various UV filters and gives recommendations for more eco-friendly sun protection.
Read more13. February 2024, Topic: Risk Assessment
Quality criteria: data sheets available on website
The Ecotox Centre has derived environmental quality criteria for more than 100 substances. We have now made the associated data sheets available on our website so that the process leading to these values can be understood.
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