Effects, Bioaccumulation, and Trophic Transfer of Chemicals of Emerging Concern (BATCH)

The global pollution crisis of our age calls for scientific approaches capable of identifying robust solutions for sustainable chemical and material usage. These approaches should support evidenced policy- and decision-making. Presently, the evaluation of chemical hazards relies heavily on data generated through standardized testing guidelines. This limited scope makes incorporating new and groundbreaking scientific discoveries difficult, hindering our ability to fully comprehend chemical exposures in aquatic ecosystems. Consequently, it is necessary to re-evaluate and modify these frameworks. By constructing a more flexible and ecologically relevant framework for assessing chemical hazards, we can enhance our understanding of environmental risks and mitigate adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The research contributions of the current project challenge the shortcomings of existing testing guidelines and offer recommendations for more ecologically relevant approaches to asses hazards posed by chemicals. This involves incorporating greater environmental realism into laboratory experiments for hazard assessment of chemicals. The project takes innovative approaches to address the specific challenges within current hazard assessment, ultimately leading to a profound enhancement in our understanding of the environmental impacts of chemicals.