MikroPlaTaS (2018-2020): MIKROPLASTIK IN TALSPERREN UND STAUBEREICHEN: SEDIMENTATION, VERBREITUNG, WIRKUNG; Funding by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)

Aim of this sub-project ist he assessment of direct toxic effects of plastic particles on meiobenthic organisms. Therefore, the model organisms Caenorhabditis elegans and Pristionchus pacificus, both belonging to the phylum Nematoda, are exposed to microplastic particles in laboratory experimental set ups and observed in terms of their response to the particles. Using particles of various sizes and nematodes with differing width of their buccal cavity, the importance of the exposure pathway for possible effects is investigated. Moreover, the role of food (bacteria) and sediment particles for uptake and effect of microplastic is examined, to simulate the scenario in natural habitats (sediment, biofilm). Studying the direct toxicity of particles in chronic exposure scenarios allows to better interpret complex data from field investigations and experiments from model ecosystems.

Crack It (2018) Dosing for Controlled Exposure (DoCE): Dosing strategies for characterising in vitro dose-responses with increased relevance for in vivo extrapolation

In the project Crack It, Ecossa, as a sub-contractor of DTU Copenhagen (Philipp Mayer), helps to develop a new in-vivo test system with C. elegans, which allows to assess the toxicity of volatile substances under constant exposure conditions, using passive dosing. The first phase (proof of concept: 1.1.-30.6.2018) is finalized. A new proposal for continuing the project is submitted. 

Study on the aquatic bioassay with the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for the assessment of ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation of environmental samples and chemicals (2016-2018); Funding: German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG).

Sullied Sediments (2017-2020): Sediment Characterisation and Clean Up Pilots in Inland Waterways; Interreg Projekt under the Northsea Region Programme of the EU; as co-beneficiary of HAW Hamburg; Funding: European Community

A cost and time efficient microcosm test to assess the risk of environmentally relevant pollutants on soil life (2017-2020); Funding: German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU); Project No. 33600/1  

Soil is teeming with (inconspicuous) life, and soils are among the most densely inhabited and biodiverse habitats on our planet. Apart from the intrinsic value of biodiversity, soil biota are responsible for a number of essential ecosystem services such a carbon fixation, nitrogen and phosphorous cycling, water holding capacity, de-toxification of a variety of wastes. Hence, soil life matters. However, soil living communities can be disturbed by pollutants, and depending on the nature and persistence of these pollutants the impact can range from negligible to irreversibly negative. To assess the impact of pollutants, ecologically-relevant risk assessment assays are essential. However, experimental data on the ecological risk assessment of environmental chemicals in terrestrial soils are, compared to the aquatic field, relatively scarce. Amongst others, this is due to the lack of tools to assess the toxicity of chemicals in soils and to validate the transferability of toxicity data tot he field. Within the applied project, we want to optimize, validate and standardize a microcosm test system, which allows to assess effects of environmentally relevant chemicals (e.g. metals, PAHs, pesticides) on nematode communities in the laboratory. Nematodes can be used as in indicator group for soil life, as this abundant and speciose group of organisms is represented at all trophic levels of the soil food web. Another advantage of the test system is the low costs for materials and staff. By comparing conventional, morphological taxonomy with DNA-based, quantitative community analysis, we validate an innovative method, applicable also for non-taxonomists. By this, the test system is accessible to a broad range of potential users (contract labs, authorities, industry). To validate the test system, we want to check how nematode communities in different soil types respond to various chemicals. Various structural and functional toxicity endpoints will be compared in terms of their sensitivity to chemical stress after various periods of exposure. Criteria will be defined to standardize the test system, making it’s results robust and reliable. As deliverables this project will generate an afforable and standardized microcosm assays that can be used to assess the impact of soil pollutants without the need for specific taxonomic expertise.

BfG (2015): Feasibility Study Regarding the Topic "Sustainable Transport and Region Development" within the Impulse Program of the expert network of BMVI; Sponsor: German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG)

BfG (2014-2015): Passive Dosing in Toxicity Testing with the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for the Ecotoxicological Assessment of Sediments ; Sponsor: German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG)

BfG (2012-2015): Validation of the NemaSPEAR[%]-index based on field investigations and lab experiments (2012-2015); Sponsor: Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde (TG 05); Cooperation with University of Bielefeld

NanoSan (2010-2014): Risk assessment for iron oxide nanoparticles, used for groundwater remediation (BMBF; FKZ 03X0085E); Cooperation with Institute for Biodiversity - Network (ibn) and the University of Bielefeld: for detailed informationen click here

Unilever (2012): Toxicity Testing of Aqueous Chemical Solutions with the Nematode Toxicity Test (Caenorhabditis elegans; ISO 10872).

SiTraMaisBt II (2008-2011): Release attendant biosafety research on transgenic maize with multiple Bt-genes (Mon89034 x Mon88017) (BMBF; FKZ 0315215B); in cooperation with the institute for biodiversity - network (ibn) and the University of Bielefeld: for detailed information click here.  

 SiTraMaisBt (2005-2008): Release attendant biosafety research on transgenic maize  (Mon88017) (BMBF; FKZ 0313279B); in cooperation with the institute for biodiversity - network (ibn): for detailed information click here.  

SeKT (2005-2008): Definition of reference conditions, control sediments and toxicity thresholds for freshwater sediment contact tests (BMBF; FKZ 02WU0598); in cooperation with the institute for biodiversity - network (ibn): for detailed information click here.  

Modelkey (2005-2010): Models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental key pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems and biodiversity (EU-Project; FP 6; 511237-GOCE); http://www.modelkey.org

Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde(2000 - 2010): Analysis of meiofaunal communities and toxicity assessment in sediments of large German streams; see also Heininger et al. 2007.  

Ecofide (2008): Ecotoxicological assessment of sediments using the nematode toxicity tests (ISO 10872).  

Aquasense (2003): Ecotoxicological assessment of sediments using the nematode toxicity tests (ISO 10872). 

BASF (2001; 2006; 2013): Chemical testing in artificial sediments using the nematode toxicity tests (ISO 10872).   

Bayerische Landesanstalt für Bodenkunde und Pflanzenbau (2000-2002): Influence of transgenic maize crops on soil quality: Effects on the nematode C. elegans.   

Bayerisches Landesamt für Wasserwirtschaft(2000): Ecotoxicological assessment of sediments from the rivers Szamos und Theiss (Ungarn) after cyanide spill in a Romanian goöd mine using the nematode toxicity tests (ISO 10872).