Human and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA)

Does antibiotic-resistance gene abundance in surface waters correlate with concentrations of pharmaceuticals in the environment? Can we model the removal of pharmaceuticals in urban waste water treatment plants? Is it possible to predict effects of emerging pollutants on apex predators in the Arctic?

An increasing number of chemicals is being used to facilitate our daily life. Via different pathways, these chemicals are released into the environment every day. Many of these emerging pollutants accumulate in soil, sediment, water and air, making the study of their behavior and possible harmful effects crucial. Within the Department of Environmental Science, the HERA (Human and Environmental Risk Assessment) theme focusses on the emission, chemical fate, (bio)accumulation and toxicity of substances within both the natural and urban environment, using state-of-the-art in silico techniques and statistical models. The main goal is to provide ready-to-use tools that supports science-based policy and helps safeguard our environment and our health.

HERA research themes include: ecotoxicology, environmental chemistry and risk assessment. 

People:
Tamara van Bergen
Daniel Duarte
Mélanie Douziech
Jan Hendriks
Renske Hoondert
Mark Huijbregts
Leo Posthuma
Ad Ragas
Naomi Thunnissen
Rosalie van Zelm
Caterina Zillien

Last update: 25th of November 2019