This course will take up principles of environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology and deepen understanding of: i) bioavailability and effects, ii) structures of compounds and modes of toxic action, iii) principles of hazard and risk assessment. Where possible, particular emphasis will be placed on the use of alternatives to vertebrate animals in toxicity assessments.

Introduction in methods and basics in ecotoxicology. Behaviour and bioavailability of pollutants in the environment. First insights in toxic effects, from the molecular level to ecosystem level. Linking the structure of pollutants with behaviour and effects.

What happens to chemicals in the environment? How do we determine whether they degrade over decades and accumulate in the food chain? Answers to these questions are provided in this lecture, which covers basic knowledge about distribution behavior, environmental analysis, abiotic and biotic degradation reactions, and toxic effects of chemicals as part of environmental chemical risk analysis.

Application of methods for chemical risk assessment for human health and the environmental according to European regulation; hazard and risk; exposure and effect analysis for different types of chemicals. Estimation of missing chemical properties (QSAR methods); critical evaluation of risk assessment methods, presentation of alternative assessment methods.

Introduction to environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology. Fate and reactions of organic pollutants in the environment. Biodegradation, bioavailabiliy and bioaccumulation. EToxic effects from the molecular to the ecosystem level. Overview on risk assessment of chemicals.

Projects on chemical assessment with the focus on the analysis and assessment of basic substance data for selected chemical classes; analysis and modelling of technical processes; characterisation of environmental and health risks. Risk assessment on the basis of quality and protection goals. Estimation of model and parameter uncertainty. Precaution and safety measures.