Water matrix and physico-chemical properties of relevant organic xenobiotics: implications on ecotoxicity and water treatment processes

The project will focus on: a) ecotoxicity of organic xenobiotics and their fate in selected water treatment processes (sorption / adsorption) in various water matrices with different content of suspended solids (TSS) and different types of natural organic matter (NOM); b) correlations between physico-chemical properties of xenobiotics and their ecotoxicity and removal in selected water treatment processes. The project is expected to yield valuable results and contribute to general knowledge regarding: a) Further development of non-standardised ecotoxicological testing methods (e.g. Myriophyllum aquaticum); b) Impact of matrix on ecotoxicity of xenobiotics to daphnids, zebrafish and bacterial species; c) impact of matrix on accuracy of chromatographic methods (GC/MS, HPLC/DAD, GC/µECD/FID) d) Acute and subacute toxicity of single xenobiotics vs. their mixtures; e) Sorption and adsorption of xenobiotics relevant to water treatment processes; f) Modelling of the correlations between physico-chemical properties of xenobiotics of diverse molecular structures with biological effects and removal in selected water treatment processes. Apart from scientific publications, PhD thesis and developed methods, the project will also yield the results potentially valuable for competent authorities in water protection and management sector. Research potential of the project team will be significantly strengthened, particularly by recruiting young researchers.