SchussenAktivplus

Integrative detection of toxic and endocrine disrupting potentials and effects of trace pollutants (in vitro & in vivo)

Within the joint research project SchussenAktivplus it is the responsibility of the University Frankfurt to contribute to the determination of wastewater-related toxic and endocrine disrupting potentials and effects of trace pollutants using sensitive in vitro and in vivo test systems. In this way, the effectiveness of technical measures for reduction of trace pollutants should be examined and evaluated for five pilot plants (three sewage treatment plants and two stormwater overflow tanks). In addition, the effects of the reduced entry of toxic and endocrine disrupting chemicals will be analyzed directly in the aquatic environment using plants and invertebrates at five sampling sites of the Schussen.
Specific objectives of the subproject:
• Assessment of toxic and endocrine potentials in inflows and outflows of the five test facilities (in vitro test methods for the analysis of androgenic, anti-androgenic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and dioxin-like potentials)
• Assessment of endocrine effects in inflows and outflows of the five pilot plants (reproduction test with the New Zealand mudsnail Potamopyrgus antipodarum, which is sensitive for reproductive toxic substances and chemicals with estrogenic activity)
• Assessment of toxic and endocrine potentials in water and sediment samples from five sampling sites of the Schussen (in addition to the previously mentioned test methods, a reproduction test with the blackworm Lumbriculus variegatus for detection of developmental toxicity and a growth inhibition test with Lemna minor to detect phytotoxic effects)
Each of these assays and biotests integrates the effects of various chemicals with an identical mode of action. This allows the assessment of effects also for those chemicals which are not covered by the chemical analytical program.

» Back