Organisation and performance of an international ringtest for the validation of the enchytraeid reproduction test

An enchytraeid reproduction test ring test was performed in line with OECD requirements. Twenty-nine institutions (mainly universities and contract research laboratories) from 15 countries from Europe and North America participated in this ring test. The co-ordinating laboratory centrally distributed the test chemicals, guidance papers and test organisms to all participants. In addition, several training courses […]

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application of biosolids to land

Ecological impacts of land application of biosolids on soil-dwelling organisms

In a long-term experiment run by Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, the fate of pharmaceuticals and other substances contained in biosolids was followed after farm-scale application to agricultural land on an experimental field site in Ottawa. In the context of this experiment, ECT followed the development of nematode and enchytraeid communities over several years after the […]

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Hardly soluble active ingredients of cosmetics – ecotoxicology and substitution

The aim of this project was to develop tools and to experimentally verify proposed assessment schemes such as the ‘poorly soluble approach‘ in order to enable a better assessment of highly lipophilic substances. In the context of a PhD project, selected highly lipophilic compounds present in personal care products (e.g. cosmetics) were investigated. ECT played […]

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Selection of test organisms for the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified plants: applying and testing a new selection procedure

Since almost two decades now, chemical stressors such as pesticides are subjected to a number of standardised ecotoxicity tests for regulatory approval prior to their release to the environment. Since the advent of the technology, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in general, and genetically modified plants (GMPs) in particular have been a contentious issue  and, very […]

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Development of a classification and assessment concept based on biodiversity of water and soil organisms regarding the effects of climate change and anthropogenic stressors

In July 2008, a new interdisciplinary research centre was founded in Frankfurt am Main (Germany) within the framework of the LOEWE Programme, a State Government of Hesse initiative for the development of scientific and economic excellence. The mission of the new centre (BiK-F) is to carry out internationally outstanding research on the interactions of organismic […]

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Assessing the long-term effects of the selected nanomaterial titanium dioxide – adaptation of testing procedures

Effects of the nanomaterial titanium dioxide NM-105 were studied in a sediment/water system with Lumbriculus variegatus according to OECD test guideline 225. Test media were prepared by mixing NM105 suspensions and the sediment-overlying water. Nominal test concentrations were confirmed by chemical analysis of Ti concentrations in the test media. Effects of titanium dioxide (NM-105) were […]

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Development of effective measures to reduce the environmental risk of human and veterinary pharmaceuticals

The environmental risks related to human and veterinary pharmaceuticals have to be assessed according to legal requirements within the authorisation procedures for pharmaceuticals. If a risk for the environment is indicated, risk mitigation measures should be proposed by the applicant and implemented within the risk management. The authorisation of a veterinary pharmaceutical can be refused […]

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Ecotoxicological joint effects of mixtures – relevance and appropriate consideration in the environmental risk assessment of plant protection products and biocides

The aim of this project was to assess the relevance of joint effects related to plant protection products and biocidal products. Based on a general analysis of the concepts of mixture toxicity and their application, as well as a detailed analysis of the current environmental risk assessment schemes and their limitations, options were developed for […]

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Potential substances of very high concern based on environmental protection criteria of the REACH regulation: Verification by substance properties and prioritisation by relevance criteria

The REACH Regulation No. 1907/2006 introduced the concept of substances of very high concern (SHVC; Art. 57) for the control of risks to human health and the environment. In this project, the focus was on environmental concerns according to Art. 57(d) to 57(f): • Persistent, bioaccumulating and toxic substances (PBT; Art. 57(d)) • Very persistent and […]

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Development of ecotoxicological tests with biocides and eluates: verification of the suitability of the embryo test with the zebrafish (Danio rerio, DarT)

The project explored the suitability of the fish embryo toxicity test with the zebrafish, Danio rerio, (DarT) as a tool to screen for additive and non-additive effects among biocidal substances. Five biocidal products from the product type 8 (curative and preventive wood preservatives) and their individual active substances were tested in the DarT. Overall, the […]

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