Excellence Strategy
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Fate and Effects of Chemicals in the Environment

Diffuse pollution of soils, surface waters, and ground-water by a multitude of anthropogenic organic and inorganic compounds is a growing global concern. Pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, household products, pesticides and insecticides, as well as persistent organic pollutants may be detected in the environment years after their application or use. Significant research gaps still exist concerning the environmental fate of these pollutants. Which types of pollutants are present in which compartments, how they are transported and to which extend they are degraded or stored are main aspects.

Main Topics:

  • Input and transport of pollutants in soil, ground water and surface waters
  • Ecotoxicological research addressing impacts of pollutants and their transformation products on aquatic organisms and the environment
  • Quantification of trace compounds and their transformation products in the environment
  • Development of new mathematical models which allow for precise description of transport, turn-over and effects (eco-toxicity) of pollutants in the environment

Working Groups

Spokespersons:

Members: