project

Contribution to Toxicology Knowledge Impulse

We are making and using more and more substances in larger and larger quantities. Analyses by collaborating European ecologists and ecotoxicologists have shown that exposure to mixtures of chemicals is a limiting factor when it comes to attaining a good ecological status in line with the Water Framework Directive. The Water Quality Knowledge Impulse (KIWK) provides knowledge that can be used in the transition from the Ecological Key Factor Toxicity to the Key Factor Toxicity 2.0, with a clear picture being established of toxicity for the purposes of deriving relevant measures.

Nothing is more frustrating than deploying costly measures that have hardly any effect while the places and substances where there are real problems exist have not been identified. This is a particular problem if, as a result, the WFD objectives of protection and restoration are ultimately not met. The usefulness of the key factor for that purpose has been proven in alliances with water management authorities. And precisely due to the knowledge impulse, we now have the opportunity to make the key factor even more convenient and better, with an additional focus on drinking water quality. In collaboration with water managers and consultancy firms, and for better water quality.