Projects
30: Integrative risk assessment for endocrine disruptors in Switzerlandgonads in zebrafish (XEBRA).
Risk assessment for endocrine disruptors in Switzerland.
The aim of this project is to refine an integrative mass flow model developed in an earlier stage of NRP50 to predict environmental concentrations of several endocrine disruptors in Switzerland. The model will address the flow and fate of chemicals from a wide range of applications (industrial chemicals, personal care, medication, agriculture etc.).
Gälli René, BMG Engineering AG, Schlieren
e-mail: rene.gaelli@bmgeng.ch
Background
In a former project of NRP 50 a massflow model for nonylphenol polyethoxylates and its hormonally active degradation products was developed for Switzerland and the region Greifensee and Glatt valley. This model can be further developed to include more chemicals and processes. By this extension it could serve to assess the risk caused by a sum of chemicals. This is especially important for chemicals with very low dose-response relationship.
Aim
The model will be extended on the basis of available information regarding production, consumption/application, wastewater treatment and environmental behaviour of substances like nonylphenol (an industrial surfactant with widespread applications), bisphenol A (a basic chemical compound for the plastics industry), selected brominated flame retardants (found in fabrics, electronic equipment, etc.), selected UV filters, some steroids (found in prescription drugs) and atrazine (a herbicide). Using the model for specific scenarios, environmental concentrations will be predicted for different environmental compartments such as air, soil, and water. Next, the predictions will be compared to available environmental data for the chemicals being studied. Moreover, the tool can be used to predict and identify potential risks generated by the use of the above listed chemicals. More emphasis can be put on risk recognition and risk prevention at an early stage of the development and during the application of products.
Two regional scenarios will be studied: the Greifensee/Glatt valley area and Lake Thun. These areas differ with respect to population density, level of industrialization, agricultural use and hence, the emission of the chemicals studied.
Significance
This project should contribute to scientifically based discussion of the flow and fate of chemicals in the environment and the associated risks.