Anthropogene Spurenstoffe – Ableitung von gesundheitlichen Orientierungswerten durch den Einsatz von Biotestverfahren

摘要

Given their specific properties (polarity, persistency and mobility), anthropogenic trace substances can pass through water treatment plants and find their way into drinking water. At the same time, modern analytical systems are capable of detecting more and more substances in the water cycle at increasingly small concentrations. The theoretical concept for deriving health-oriented target values (gesundheitlicher Orientierungswerte/GOW) makes it possible to perform toxicological assessments of trace substances for which as a rule we have insufficient prior data. Currently, batteries of in-vitro tests for the primary mechanisms of action identified in the GOW concept (genotoxicity, neurotoxicity and endocrine effects) are being developed to support experiment-based assessments. The example of medicinal products for human use demonstrates that, in the case of anthropogenic trace substances, minimization strategies should not focus on the technical elimination methods in treatment plants alone. If important actors (doctors, pharmacists and consumers) can be integrated, the amount of substances from medicinal products for human use that pollutes our environment can be significantly reduced, through e.g. environmentally friendly prescription-writing practices, product/packaging return systems and better disposal options.