Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment: Lecture at a Series of Seminars on Water Quality Management

Romana Hornek-Gausterer, head of the new bachelor’s program in Sustainable Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering, gave a lecture on the topic “Risk Assessment of Organic Trace Substances in the Aquatic Environment” at the seminar series on water quality management at the Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management at the Vienna University of Technology.

Estimating the effects of environmental chemicals on ecosystems

The focus of the lecture was the ecotoxicological risk assessment, which is an important method for estimating the effects of environmental chemicals on ecosystems. However, since aspects such as long-term exposure, indirect effects and chemical mixtures are usually not included in the risk assessment, more comprehensive measures are needed for more meaningful results. Therefore, the focus should be on newer approaches, such as effect-based methods, which enable a more comprehensive assessment. New Approach Methods (NAMs), which serve as a substitute for animal testing, were also discussed.

This was followed by a stimulating exchange with students, representatives of the authorities and experts from the water quality industry.

Further links:

Faculty of Life Science Engineering

Bachelor’s degree program in Sustainable Environmental and Bioprocess Engineering

Master’s degree program in Environmental Management & Ecotoxicology