Manfred Marsmann

QSARs in the chemical industry : need, scope and current limitations

Abstract The current status of QSAR research in ecotoxicology is analysed from a chemical industrys point of view. In particular, the aspects predictability, validity and acceptability are critically discussed, and a list of recommendations for further QSAR development is given.

In reply to hertwich & pease, Int. J. LCA 3 (4) 180 — 181, “ISO 14042 restricts use and development of impact assessment”

Life Cycle Impact Assessment describes indicators and does not predict actual impacts. The value of an LCA is its comprehensive review of all stages of a product’s life cycle and its synoptic view of all relevant environmental issues. The current version of the 14042 draft describes the uniqueness of Life Cycle Impact Assessment approach which is distinct from other assessment techniques. The wording was designed to help users of the standard understand how and why LCIA is distinct from other assessment methods.In closing, we would like to highlight our opinion that the present document on the level of a DIS is sound, stable and practical within the ISO 14040 series of standards. We do not agree withHertwich & Pease that the present document prevents the use of LCIA. It makes a choice regarding the exclusion of weighting across categories in order to prevent misuse in deriving inappropriate claims. And for characterisation it has achieved a well founded synthesis. In addition, we strongly believe that this standard will stimulate the international scientific discussion of LCA and will substantially contribute to enhanced and more valuable applications of LCA in the future.

Ökobilanzen — Fortschrittsbericht@@@Life Cycle Assessment: ISO-Standardization

ZusammenfassungAuf internationaler Ebene haben die Bemühungen um die Normung der Ökobllanz bei der „International Standard Organization (ISO)” im Jahre 1996 große Fortschritte erreicht. Normen zum Grundsatzpapier (ISO 14040) und zur Sachbilanz (ISO 14041) sollen 1997 verabschiedet werden, erste Normenentwürfe zur Wirkungsabschätzung und Auswertung wurden Ende 1996 wesentlich konkreter. Die vorgestellten Ergebnisse geben einen Überblick über verschiedene Bewertungsansätze. Der wesentliche Nutzen der ISO-Standards liegt in der Möglichkeit, problemorientiert mit der notwendigen Flexibilität Ökobilanz-Studien durchführen zu können. Gleichzeitig sollen durch Sensitivitätsanalyse, Critical Review und angemessene Berichterstattung Mißverständnisse oder Mißbrauch der Ergebnisse vermieden werden.AbstractWith efforts made by the International Standard Organization (ISO) to standardize life cycle assessment procedures, considerable progress could be reached in the year 1996. Standardizations of the “Principles and Framework” (ISO 14040) and the “Inventory” (ISO 14041) will come into force in 1997. Drafts of the “Impact Assessment” and “Interpretation” were specified in 1996. The case studies presented here give an overview on different approaches of “Impact Assessment” and “Interpretation”. The main advantage of an ISO-standard will not be the standardization of the impact assessment approach itself. More important than merely the outcome of a life cycle assessment is to assign additional information on the reliability of the results in respect to the formulation of questions.

Leitfaden zur Beurteilung von Boden-Kontaminationen

ZusammenfassungDieser Beitrag geht der Frage nach, inwieweit die gegenwärtig erhebbaren Daten die Kontamination eines definierten Bodenareals hinreichend zu bewerten gestalten. Die für diese Fragestellung benötigten und erhebbaren Daten wurden tabellarisch zusammengestellt. Daraus wurde abgeleitet, welche Aussagen für die Risiko-Bewertung einer konkreten Kontaminationssituation auf einem definierten Bodenstandort getroffen werden können.Das vorgeschlagene Procedere ist im Sinne eines „Wegweisers” zu verstehen, der in Situationen einweist, wie sie durch Boden-Kontaminationen mit organischen Umweltchemikalien entstehen, und der als Leitfaden für die Praxis dienen kann.Die Situationsanalyse bezieht sich auf das Kompartiment Boden, einschließlich einer Risikoabwägung für die Gefährdung des Grundwassers. Mitberücksichtigt wurden Kontaminationen infolge von Unfällen.Die Bewertung orientiert sich an den Kriterien Ressourcenschutz und Pflanzenproduktion.Ein Ergebnis dieser Arbeit ist das Erkennen von Forschungsdefiziten, zu deren Behebung Vorschläge gemacht werden.AbstractThis article investigates to which extent presently obtainable data can sufficiently evaluate soil contamination. Relevant data pertaining to this question are tabulated. Risk assessments are made for particular contaminations on the basis of the compiled data.The proposed procedure is a guideline for the practical evaluation of cases of soil contamination by organic pollutants.Analyses are made for soil compartments, including risk assessments for groundwater. Evaluations are directed at protection of resources and plant growth.The project aims at facilitating the recognition of research deficiencies and at suggesting appropriate measures.

Induction of Hyaline Droplet Accumulation in Renal Cortex of Male Rats by Aromatic Compounds

Repeated oral and inhalation exposure of male rats to unleaded gasoline and a variety of petroleum-derived naphthas, solvents, and distillates has been reported to induce a characteristic spectrum of changes in the kidney which has been referred to as “light hydrocarbon nephropathy” (Mehlmann et al., 1984; Craig, 1986). Most of the identified compounds belong to the class of branched-chain alkanes. A select few of the investigated aromatics were inactive (Haider et al., 1984; Halder et al., 1985). Recently, corresponding effects were seen in short- and long-term studies with p-dichlorobenzene (NTP, 1986; Bomhard et al., 1987). Accumulation of hyaline droplets in the tubular epithelium occurs within a few days after treatment with these compounds and precedes the subsequent tubular lesions (Thomas et al., 1985). This study evaluated “light hydrocarbon nephropathy” inducing potential of several aromatic hydrocarbons by histological judgement of hyaline droplet accumulation (HDA).