Risk assessment of emerging contaminants in aquatic systems

For risk assessment and “risk-assessment tools”, new recommendations are described in the second edition of the Technical Guidance Document of REACH, the new chemicals legislation of the European Union (EU), and in the status report for toxicological methods of the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods. For the description of a “good physical-chemical status” of aquatic systems, effects-monitoring tools are needed.Chemical toxicity and related information cannot be obtained by instrumental analysis. The effects-related quality norms for emerging single contaminants are generated by conventional bioassays and new emerging bio-analytical systems. Concepts are available for the classification of waterways using bio-analytical systems with respect to the EU Water Framework Directive.Exposure assessment and effect assessment and their deliverables comprise the scientifically-generated baseline for a valid risk assessment, risk communication and risk management for the sustainable development for protection of surface water, soil and human health.