We are pleased to announce the publication of the new Policy Brief by SafeCREW, calling for the advancement of non-animal-based and effect-based monitoring (NAM/EBM) for the holistic toxicity assessment of chemical mixtures in water.
While most current (eco)toxicological assessments still rely on animal-based, single-substance testing, which are costly, slow, and misaligned with sustainability goals, societal expectations, and the EU’s innovation agenda, NAM/EBMs offer
- Holistic assessment of chemical mixtures, not limited to known individual substances
- Rapid, cost-effective, and animal-free testing methods
- Identification of both regulated and unregulated contaminants, including unknowns
- Improved competitiveness for EU SMEs and innovation ecosystems
To reap the potential of NAM/EBM to contribute to the European Commission’s Zero Pollution ambition for air, water, and soil by 2050, SafeCREW’s Policy Brief recommends
- Promote the use of NAM/EBM-based bioanalysis
- Increase dedicated Horizon Europe funding
- Strengthen training and capacity-building
- Foster next-generation, NAM-based regulatory frameworks
- Develop a European roadmap for a NAM/EBM-based regulatory system
SafeCREW applied NAM/EBM at drinking water drinking water treatment plants in Milan, Italy, and Tarragona, Spain to assess the toxicity impact of disinfection by-products in real water mixtures. The approach and first results have been documented in Deliverable D1.3 Test protocol for effect-based in-vitro toxicity assessment of disinfection by products.