Toxicology

The load of trace substances represents an increasing problem for the aquatic system (surface, ground and drinking water). These substances go through various pathways into the aquatic environment, where they are degraded by abiotic and biotic processes. Quite often this degradation process is not complete so that transformation products are being created which may be even more toxic and more stable than the initial substances. The effects to organisms are hardly known. Therefore we are examining the toxicity of various substance groups and their transformation products by means of biological tests (pls. refer to methods).

Depending on the respective tests, the results allow conclusions to be drawn about eco-toxicological effects, damaging effects on the DNA or the cell vitality. Thus, an initial risk characterization of the examined substance groups and their transformation products is possible. At the same time valuable knowledge can be obtained on a targeted design of new substances (Benign by Design).