Trace Compounds in the Environment

A broad range of compounds is introduced into the environment due to the modern human lifestyle, some of which show high biological activity. These organic trace compounds (TOrCs) contain classes of (crude-)oil, pesticides, and
industrial chemicals, as well as household chemicals and pharmaceuticals (painkillers, antibiotics, x-ray contrast media, etc.). Though normally only traces (< μg/L) of these compounds are found in the environment, the high biological activity of the compounds could lead to harmful effects on humans and other organisms.

Hence, the focus of this research group is to develop new methods to detect TOrCs in the environment, as well as detecting the alteration of TOrCs by natural and oxidative processes. The main interest here is the evaluation of water treatment processes and the determination of the condition of the aquatic environment.

An outline of the aims of the working group:
- Broadening of the target screening for the monitoring of TOrCs in (waste-) water treatment
- Elucidate natural and oxidative degradation processes and identify the resulting degradation products
- Develop new methods to determine sorption behavior of TOrCs onto microplastic particles
- Validation of a sample preparation method for the assessment of microplastic in the environment
- Establishing a target method for perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in water treatment systems.