Investigating the fate of chemicals in the environment – Gabriel Sigmund, Wageningen University & Research
On this episode I speak with Gabriel Sigmund, Assistant Professor at Wageningen University and Research, and board member of the International Panel on Chemical Pollution (IPCP).We discuss:Gabriel’s background and research interestsHow the fate of charged organic compounds differs from neutral compoundsThe issue of mobility in the environment and the concern around persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substancesComplex interactions controlling sorption and other fate processes in soilThe ongoing importance of laboratory experiments in the age of AIData availability and data quality challenges for persistence and mobility assessmentsImplications of the new PMT/vPvM hazard classes under the EU CLP regulationSimplification and essential use concepts for chemicals managementThe issue of extreme persistence and the concern around trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)Pesticides as a potential source of TFA to the environmentHow differences in worldviews influences the debate on chemicalsActivities of the SETAC Persistence Science Interest GroupApologies for some sound issues on this one. Correction: During the discussion on TFA I commented that I had seen evidence in a presentation by Freeling that concentrations in plant samples had apparently increased four-fold between 2010 and 2020. Having revisited the published work (link below), the approximately four-fold increase was reported over the observation period 1989-2020. Sorption and Mobility of Charged Organic Compounds: How to Confront and Overcome Limitations in Their Assessment | Environmental Science & Technology The Global Threat from the Irreversible Accumulation of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) | Environmental Science & TechnologyPesticides can be a substantial source of trifluoroacetate (TFA) to water resources - ScienceDirect‘Alarming’ increase in levels of forever chemical TFA found in European wines | Pfas | The GuardianLevels and Temporal Trends of Trifluoroacetate (TFA) in Archived Plants: Evidence for Increasing Emissions of Gaseous TFA Precursors over the Last Decades | Environmental Science & Technology Letters Pollution is Colonialism - book by Max Liboiron (2021) SETAC Persistence Science Interest GroupWebinar recording: Addressing Extreme Persistence – Identification, Behavior and Management of “Forever Chemicals” Beyond PFASUpcoming webinar: How to increase understanding of microbial inocula in biodegradation testing? SETAC Europe 35th Annual MeetingIn Memoriam: John Parsons Themed collection: Transformation Products and Mixtures – Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts
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1:11:34
Tending the environmental science ecosystem - Sabine Apitz, SETAC Europe President
Ahead of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) annual European conference in Vienna (11-15th May), I caught up with Sabine Apitz, SETAC Europe President and Editor-in-Chief of the academic journal Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management (IEAM). Sabine and I had a fascinating discussion about environmental science, the scientific community, and the emergence and application of scientific knowledge. We discussed some of the pressing issues and challenges facing the SETAC community, and society at large. Sabine also shared some of what we could look forward to at the upcoming Vienna conference and the 9th SETAC World Congress (and first to be held in Africa) later this year. Our conversation covers: Sabine’s background and career journeyThe emergence and application of scientific knowledgeUsing tools and models to inform environmental policy, and appreciating their limitationsSabine’s experience working as an independent consultantThe role of scientists from different backgrounds in science and policy discussionsPublic representation at SETAC and in broader environmental discourseReflections on the current political environment for science and society at largeDealing with complexity in trying to understand ecosystemsSabine’s own experience with podcastingAn unexpected finding from an investigation into hygiene productsUpcoming SETAC events – Vienna and Johannesburg This is a great one for anyone interested in learning more about SETAC, the organisation that brings together scientists from across disciplines to study the issue of chemicals in the environment and to inform science-based environmental decisions. Links from the discussion:SETAC website: SETACVienna conference: SETAC Europe 35th Annual MeetingWorld Congress event: SETAC 9th World CongressIEAM academic journal: Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management | Oxford AcademicSabine's editorial (published in 2017): Science, antiscience, and environmental decision making: A call to action | Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management | Oxford Academic(co-authors: Thomas Backhaus, Peter M Chapman, Wayne Landis, Glenn Suter)Sabine's podcast: Join the Dots | jointhedots(co-hosts: Ece Ozdemiroglu and Jill Duggan)
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1:03:42
Advancing the science of regulatory assessments for complex substances - Delina Lyon, Concawe
In this episode I speak with Delina Lyon, Science Executive for Environment at Concawe. Del and I dive deep into the regulatory assessment of complex substances. This issue still presents a wicked challenge for industry and regulators alike, and Concawe's work is right at the forefront of this. Our conversation covers:What is Concawe?Del's role at ConcaweEnvironmental assessment of petroleum substances under REACHDel's early career and switch from academia to industryReflections on the science-policy interfaceDevelopments in regulatory testing and assessmentConflicts of interest and the role of industry scientistsThe wicked problem of complex substances (UVCBs)Challenges with biodegradation testingWeight of evidence and the Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT)The hydrocarbon block method and related tools PETROTOX and PETRORISKPersistence, bioaccumulation and toxicity (PBT) assessments and the new PMT conceptConcawe websitePersistence Assessment Tool (PAT)PETROTOX tool - ConcawePETRORISK tool - Concawe
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1:15:04
Addressing environmental challenges while improving human wellbeing - Jason Snape, University of York
In this episode I speak with Jason Snape. Jason is a Research Professor in sustainable healthcare and environmental sustainability at the University of York, and prior to that was Global Head of Environment at AstraZeneca. Our discussion covers:Jason's career journey to dateHis move into academia and future research goalsSustainable healthcare in developing economiesReflections on regulatory persistence assessmentsEnvironmental safety within the pharmaceutical sectorThe threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)Extended producer responsibility and the EU Urban Wastewater Treatment DirectiveThe water industry, the state of UK waterways, and public attitudes to drinking waterJason has a huge amount of knowledge to share about some of the most pressing challenges in society. Join us to explore potential solutions!Jason's 2018 keynote on AMR at SETAC EuropeECOSOLUTIONS PhD training programme
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1:35:47
Untangling sustainability in the apparel industry - Libby Sommer
In this episode I am joined by Libby Sommer, an independent consultant working on sustainability in the apparel industry. Libby and I discuss:Libby’s background and early careerHer work on sustainability and life cycle assessments in the apparel industryWorking with start-upsDrivers of innovationHow sustainability focus areas have evolved over the yearsThe environmental and human costs of textile wasteBiodegradation and recycling of textilesReducing and mitigating environmental emissionsThe Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4)A4’s links with SETAC and the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) initiativeLibby’s website: Libby SommerBiomimicry Institute Design4Transformation initiative: ResourcesAssociation for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4) website: Home — Safer Alternatives
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