Tag Archive for: terrestrial ecology
J. RömbkeReview: Environmental risk assessment of pesticides in tropical terrestrial ecosystems
Despite the increasing use of pesticides in tropical countries, research and legislative efforts have focused on their temperate counterparts. In the present publication, the literature on environmental risk assessment of pesticides in tropical terrestrial ecosystems is reviewed. Potential differences in pesticide risks between temperate and tropical regions are evaluated, and research needs for tropical regions […]
New publication: A new ecotoxicological test method for genetically modified plants and other stressors in soil with the black fungus gnat Bradysia impatiens
Few suitable and standardised test methods are currently available to test the effects of genetically modified plants (GMP) on non-target organisms. To fill this gap and improve ecotoxicological testing for GMP, we developed a new soil ecotoxicological test method using sciarid larvae as test organisms. Bradysia impatiens was identified as a candidate species. A functional […]
SETACNew publication: Toward sustainable environmental quality: priority research questions for Europe
The United Nations’ sustainable development goals have been established to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. Delivery of the sustainable development goals requires a healthy and productive environment. An understanding of the impacts of chemicals on environmental health is essential for sustainable environmental quality. However, current research on and regulation of […]
D. LeibNew publication: Novel egg life-stage test with Folsomia candida – a case study with cadmium
A protocol for a reproduction test with the collembolan Folsomia candida was developed, starting exposure with eggs instead of juveniles as required by OECD test guideline 232. Accordingly, the exposure and, thus, the test duration was extended. The extended test starts with synchronisation of eggs in a thin soil layer on plaster of Paris, selection […]
Critical review: Standard methods for the assessment of structural and functional diversity of soil organisms
The lack of standardised methods to study soil organisms prevents comparisons across datasets and hampers the development of new global and regional experiments and assessments. Standardised methods are also needed to evaluate the impact of anthropogenic stressors, such as chemicals, on soil organism communities in the regulatory context. The objective of this critical review is […]
New publication: Proposal for a monitoring concept for veterinary medicinal products with PBT properties, using parasiticides as a case study
A proposal was prepared for the post-authorisation monitoring of veterinary medicinal products, in particular parasiticides. Such a monitoring might especially be useful for parasiticides identified as PBT substances, i.e., substances that are toxic (T), persist in the environment (P) and bioaccumulate (B). Based on a literature search, issues are discussed that have to be considered […]
New publication: Effects of insecticides on survival and reproduction of microarthropods in African and European soils
In many parts of Africa, pesticides are used indiscriminately. Yet, ecotoxicological data relevant for the protection of soil organisms have usually been obtained under temperate conditions. In order to assess the effects of three commonly used insecticides (deltamethrin, dimethoate, chlorpyrifos) on microarthropods in African soils, uncontaminated natural soils were collected from Nigeria and Tunisia. In […]
Review of the ecotoxicity of boric acid in standard laboratory tests with plants and soil organisms
To verify the sensitivity of ecotoxicological tests, reference substances with known toxicity are regularly tested. Ideally, such substances lack specificity in their mode action, are bioavailable and readily attainable, and their chemical characterisation is cost-effective. Boric acid satisfies these criteria, but has – due to reproductive effects in humans – most recently been characterised as […]