Environmental Risk Assessment of Chemicals

Reliable statements about the environmental compatibility of chemical and biological agents, nanomaterials and products require the assessment of exposure levels and potential hazards. Our investigations encompass standard tests required e.g. for notification and labeling as well as complex studies addressing highly differentiated concerns.

In addition to experimental investigations and computer simulations, we work on the improvement of strategies and methods in the context of environmental risk assessments. The legislative framework comprises the EU-wide regulations on hazard and risk assessment for industrial chemicals (REACH), biocides, and human and veterinary medicinal products, as well as corresponding regulations in the USA and Japan.

The institute has obtained a GLP certificate for the relevant test categories.

Standard studies for the notification and labeling of problematic industrial chemicals (including metals), biocides and pharmaceuticals:

Physico-chemical properties

Fate in the environment

Bioaccumulation

Ecotoxicological effects

Effect and fate studies with nanomaterials

Complex studies for specific problems:

Modified standard tests for volatile, poorly soluble  and/or readily degradable substances, e.g. Water Accomodated Fraction (WAF) Tests

Fish-Full-Life Cycle-Tests

Micro-/mesocosm studies         

Model sewage treatment plants (open and closed system)      

Exposure assessments for chemical and biological agents in water, soil and consumer products by development/adaptation of exposure scenarios and exposure models

Testing the transformation/dissolution behavior and the bioaccessibility of metals and metal compounds including elemental species analysis       

Testing materials for the level of contamination with environmental chemicals

Development / adaptation of test and assessment strategies for ecological risk assessments

Expert reports on the environmental safety of chemical substance and products

Support for the registration and notification of chemical substances;
consultation in the context of REACH