Austrian Research Co-operation on Endocrine Modulators (ARCEM)

Duration:
2000-2003

Contact Person:
Dr. Norbert Kreuzinger norbkreu@iwag.tuwien.ac.at

ARCEM (Austrian Research Cooperation for Endocrine Modulators) represents the start of Austria's involvement with organic micropollutants - both on an environmental policy and scientific level. Austria was one of the first countries to systematically address the issue and thus did pioneering work. The project results were as topical then as they are today...

short description

Results from three years of risk research on endocrine disruptors in Austrian waters contributed significantly to precautionary water protection

The "Austrian Research Co-operation on Endocrine Modulators (ARCEM)" brought together scientists from the University of Vienna, the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, the TU Wien and the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.

ARCEM represents the start of the engagement with organic micropollutants in Austria - both on an environmental and scientific level. Austria was one of the first countries to systematically address the issue and thus did pioneering work. On an international level, ARCEM caused a sensation not only because of the project results but also because of the interdisciplinary integrative approach chosen for the first time in this field.
 
Focal points of ARCEM's work

The aim of this group was to assess and manage the current risk of endocrine disruptors in Austrian waters. Until then, it had not been possible to make statements about the overall pollution of Austrian waters by endocrine disruptors.

Therefore, the three-year research project started in 2000 with the following focal points:

•     Analyses of the most relevant substance flows of endocrine disruptors in Austria as a basis for preventing their discharge into the aquatic environment.
•     Comprehensive survey of the concentrations of the most important endocrine disruptors in Austrian surface and ground waters
•     Description of the pollution of selected flowing waters in Austria by endocrine disruptors with fish as indicator organisms
•     Evaluation of the risk for the native fish fauna and for human health (consumption of fish, consumption of drinking water)
•     Investigation of the technical potential of different processes for the removal of endocrine disruptors in drinking water and wastewater treatment.

The project was financed by the offices of all provincial governments, Österreichische Kommunalkredit AG within the framework of the Environmental Support Act and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management.
 
Risk research as the key to preventive environmental protection

The results of ARCEM set new standards and highlighted the importance of preventive water protection in Austria. Some of the substances studied are now also regulated in relevant legislation.