Resource project Canton of Berne

In the canton of Bern, two watercourses, the Ballmoosbach and the Chrümmlisbach, are being monitored using chemical analyses and bioassays. The investigations are part of a larger project aimed at analysing the effectiveness of measures to reduce the input of plant protection products (PPPs) into watercourses. In 2017 and 2018, the current state of the two streams was recorded as a reference before the measures were implemented; in 2023, the influence of measures on the PPP concentrations in the water bodies and their effects will be investigated.

The Ecotox Centre is using the combined algae test to record the effects on photosynthesis and the growth of unicellular green algae. During the 2023 vegetation period, two-week composite samples will be taken and analysed in the bioassay. The aim is to find out more about water pollution with algae-toxic substances. A comparison with the results of the chemical analyses will make it possible to determine which substances are responsible for the effects.