Pesticide monitoring, FHNW School of Life Sciences

Pesticides are widely used in Switzerland. Some can be detected in surface waters such as lakes or streams.

Our research aims to investigate the risks posed by individual pesticides and, in particular, complex pesticide mixtures. To this end, we use various biotests in addition to calculating the mixture risk. Since the organisms studied react to the sum of the pesticide mixture, the overall exposure to micropollutants can be indicated in the field or in the laboratory. If the organisms are sensitive to the micropollutants, the effects of micropollutants that have not been analysed and active transformation products can also be demonstrated.

Together with Eawag and the Oekotoxzentrum, in-depth investigations into pesticide pollution in surface waters were carried out using biotests as part of the NAWA SPEZ measurement programme.

Our team also participated in the Leimental Resource Project. This was run jointly by the Amts für Umweltschutz und Energie (AUE) and the Ebenrain-Zentrums für Landwirtschaft, Natur und Ernährung of canton Basel-Landschaft, with financial support from the Bundesamtes für Landwirtschaft (BLW). BLW-funded resource projects develop sustainable production methods that use existing natural resources more efficiently and are better suited to regional conditions. These are intended to improve water and soil protection while maintaining at least the same levels of agricultural productivity.

The Leimental resource project ran from 2017 to 2024 in the towns of Oberwil, Allschwil and Binningen in canton Basel Land. In 2023, management of the project was handed over to the Ecotoxicology department to provide scientific support and bring the project to a conclusion.