Roxana Sühring

• Doctor of Natural Sciences
• Professor (Assistant) at Toronto Metropolitan University

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is regarded as a critically endangered species. Scientists are in agreement that the "quality of spawners" is a vital factor for the survival of the species. This quality can be impaired by parasites, disease and pollution. Especially endocrine disrupting organic chemicals pose a potential threat to reproduction...

In the wake of the listing by the Stockholm Convention of PBDEs, an increasing number of "novel" flame retardants (NFRs) are being used in products. The properties that make for desirable flame retardants can also lead to negative health effects, long environmental residence times and an affinity for organic matrices. While NFRs are currently in us...

Fourteen organophosphate esters (OPEs) were measured in the filter fraction of 117 active air samples from yearly ship-based sampling campaigns (2007–2013), and two land-based stations in the Canadian Arctic, to assess trends and long-range transport potential of OPEs. Four OPEs were detected in up to 97% of the samples, 7 in 50% or less of the sam...

Chemical pollution is hypothesized as one of the factors driving the strong decline of the critically endangered European eel population. Specifically, the impact of contaminants on the quality of spawning eels and subsequent embryo survival and development has been discussed as crucial investigation point. However, so far only very limited informa...

Eleven organophosphate esters (OPEs) were detected in surface water and sediment samples from yearly sampling (2013−2018) in the Canadian Arctic. In water samples, ∑chlorinated-OPEs (Cl-OPEs) concentrations exceeded ∑non-chlorinated-OPEs (non-Cl-OPEs) with median concentrations of 10 ng L −1 and 1.3 ng L −1 , respectively. In sediment samples, ∑Cl-...

Potable water on aircraft is currently monitored for microbiological contaminants of water quality such as E. coli, but because the source water for aircraft is pre-treated water from municipalities, chemical contaminants are not assessed. This neglects the possibility of aircraft pneumatic systems, interconnected with other systems such as the eng...

Potable water on aircraft is currently monitored for microbiological contaminants of water quality such as E. coli, but because the source water for aircraft is pre-treated water from municipalities, chemical contaminants are not assessed. This neglects the possibility of aircraft pneumatic systems, interconnected with other systems such as the eng...

Sleeping microenvironments (SMEs) can expose young children to chemicals of concern. Using passive samplers, we measured the concentrations of ortho-phthalates (PAEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and UV-filters (benzophenones, salicylates, and phenolic benzotriazoles) in the bedroom air, SME, and released from mattresses in 25 bedrooms of childr...

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are a diverse group of synthetic organic chemicals used in a variety of plastics as plasticizers, flame retardants, and other application. OPEs were initially considered to pose minimal environmental risk. However, there has been increasing evidence that OPEs can undergo long-range transport into remote areas such as t...

This article presents an examination of non‐targeted analysis and suspect‐screening approaches in the identification and measurement of plastic additives and related contaminants. Four distinct case studies are highlighted, each demonstrating the utility of these techniques in various environmental contexts. The first study utilizes non‐targeted an...

Soft plastic lures (SPLs) are commonly used artificial lures in recreational angling. Anglers regularly lose SPLs while fishing and there is little knowledge about the environmental impacts of lost SPLs. As with other plastic items, SPLs contain phthalates and other persistent additives that may leach into water. In this study, 16 randomly chosen S...

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are two of the most commonly researched per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Globally, many long-chain PFAS compounds including PFOS and PFOA are highly regulated and, in some countries, PFAS use in commercial products is strictly prohibited. Despite the legal regulation...

Plastic additives are a diverse group of chemical compounds added to plastic products to give them their unique physical-chemical properties. Persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) plastic additives are a highly polar, environmentally stable sub-group of plastic additives with a variety of uses in plastic products. Due to their mobility into water, th...

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are deemed a major conveyor and point source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the environment. This statistical meta-analysis of existing literature from the past 15 years focused on the significance of treatment type for PFAS removal efficiencies and the influence of PFAS sources (domestic vs. in...

Polar regions should be given greater consideration with respect to the monitoring, risk assessment, and management of potentially harmful chemicals, consistent with requirements of the precautionary principle. Protecting the vulnerable polar environments requires (i) raising political and public awareness and (ii) restricting and preventing global...

p> The populations of American (Anguilla rostrata) and European eels (Anguilla anguilla) have been declining rapidly in the last decades. Organic contaminants are suspected to be one of the possible causes for the decline; however, so far there have been few investigations of the uptake of specific compounds by different life cycle stages (e.g. f...

p>Chemical pollution is hypothesized as one of the factors driving the strong decline of the critically endangered European eel population. Specifically the impact of contaminants on the quality of spawning eels and subsequent embryo survival and development has been discussed as crucial investigation point. However, so far only very limited inform...

p> The populations of American (Anguilla rostrata) and European eels (Anguilla anguilla) have been declining rapidly in the last decades. Organic contaminants are suspected to be one of the possible causes for the decline; however, so far there have been few investigations of the uptake of specific compounds by different life cycle stages (e.g. f...

p> The Arctic is undergoing unprecedented change. Observations and models demonstrate significant perturbations to the physical and biological systems. Arctic species and ecosystems, particularly in the marine environment, are subject to a wide range of pressures from human activities, including exposure to a complex mixture of pollutants, climat...

p>The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is regarded as a critically endangered species. Scientists are in agreement that the “quality of spawners” is a vital factor for the survival of the species. This quality can be impaired by parasites, disease and pollution. Especially endocrine disrupting organic chemicals pose a potential threat to reproduc...

p>53 brominated and chlorinated flame retardants were investigated in sediment samples from the German rivers Elbe and Weser, the German Bight, Jadebusen, East Frisian Coast as well as the UK East coast. The aim of the presented study was to investigate the prevalence of different halogenated flame retardant groups as contaminants in North Sea sedi...

p>A total of 53 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were analysed in sediments, European eels and dabs from both freshwater and marine sampling stations in the German Bight and the river Elbe. Classic HFRs, such as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), were the highest concentrated HFRs in eels as well as in most dabs (apart from 1,2,5,6 tetra...

p>Chemical pollution is hypothesized as one of the factors driving the strong decline of the critically endangered European eel population. Specifically the impact of contaminants on the quality of spawning eels and subsequent embryo survival and development has been discussed as crucial investigation point. However, so far only very limited inform...

p>The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is regarded as a critically endangered species. Scientists are in agreement that the “quality of spawners” is a vital factor for the survival of the species. This quality can be impaired by parasites, disease and pollution. Especially endocrine disrupting organic chemicals pose a potential threat to reproduc...

p>A total of 53 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were analysed in sediments, European eels and dabs from both freshwater and marine sampling stations in the German Bight and the river Elbe. Classic HFRs, such as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), were the highest concentrated HFRs in eels as well as in most dabs (apart from 1,2,5,6 tetra...

p> The Arctic is undergoing unprecedented change. Observations and models demonstrate significant perturbations to the physical and biological systems. Arctic species and ecosystems, particularly in the marine environment, are subject to a wide range of pressures from human activities, including exposure to a complex mixture of pollutants, climat...

p>53 brominated and chlorinated flame retardants were investigated in sediment samples from the German rivers Elbe and Weser, the German Bight, Jadebusen, East Frisian Coast as well as the UK East coast. The aim of the presented study was to investigate the prevalence of different halogenated flame retardant groups as contaminants in North Sea sedi...

Polar regions should be given greater consideration with respect to the monitoring, risk assessment, and management of potentially harmful chemicals, consistent with requirements of the precautionary principle. Protecting the vulnerable polar environments requires (i) raising political and public awareness and (ii) restricting and preventing global...

The hazards of many plastic additives on human and environmental health are well documented. However, little emphasis has been put on plastic additives that are persistent, mobile, and toxic (PMT) rather than persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic. Due to their high mobility and stability, it is unlikely that wastewater treatment plants will effect...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently used in the production of rubber and plastic, but little is known about the identity, concentration, or prevalence of PFAS in these products. In this study, a representative sample of plastic- and rubber-containing artificial turf (AT) fields from Stockholm, Sweden, was subjected to total fl...

The environmental risk assessment of UVCBs (i.e., substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials) is challenging due to their inherent complexity. A particular problem is that UVCBs can contain constituents with unidentified chemical structures and/or have variable composition of constituents from...

Through ingestion and subsequent egestion, Arctic seabirds can bioaccumulate microplastics at and around their colony breeding sites. While microplastics in Arctic seabirds have been well documented, it is not yet understood to what extent these particles can act as transport vehicles for plastic-associated contaminants, including legacy persistent...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are frequently used in the production of rubber and plastic, but little is known about the identity, concentration, or prevalence of PFAS in these products. In this study, a representative sample of plastic- and rubber-containing artificial turf (AT) fields from Stockholm, Sweden, were subjected to total f...

Climate change brings about significant changes in the physical environment in the Arctic. Increasing temperatures, sea ice retreat, slumping permafrost, changing sea ice regimes, glacial loss and changes in precipitation patterns can all affect how contaminants distribute within the Arctic environment and subsequently impact the Arctic ecosystems....

The Arctic is undergoing unprecedented change. Observations and models demonstrate significant perturbations to the physical and biological systems. Arctic species and ecosystems, particularly in the marine environment, are subject to a wide range of pressures from human activities, including exposure to a complex mixture of pollutants, climate cha...

Substances classified as unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products or biological origin (UVCB) present a challenge for environmental hazard and risk assessment. Here, we present a novel approach for whole-substance bioconcentration testing applied to cedarwood oil—an essential oil composed of volatile, hydrophobic organic chemicals...

Cedarwood oil is an essential oil used as a fragrance material and insect repellent. Its main constituents are sesquiterpenes which are potentially bioaccumulative according to the REACH screening criteria. Cedarwood oil is a complex mixture of hydrophobic and volatile organic chemicals. The volatility and limited water solubility of its constituen...

The North Sea is one of the most studied and exploited ecosystems worldwide. The multiple uses from industrial, transport, as well as recreational activities have required researchers, regulators, and legislators to understand and, where possible, to minimize any expected negative environmental impacts. As with any international sea, assessing the...

It is hard to believe, but some of the chemicals in our couches, computers, and even phones can travel all the way to the Arctic. How is that possible? That is exactly what we were asking when we found chemicals that are used in everyday items—like computers, phones, and couches—in the Canadian Arctic. In this article, we will tell you about our re...

Scientists and decision makers need accurate, accessible and fast tools to assess and prioritize the persistence (POV) and environmental long-range transport potential (LRTP) of chemicals. Here we evaluated the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) POV and LRTP Screening Tool ("the Tool") with respect to the POV and LRTP est...

The North Sea is one of the most studied and exploited ecosystems worldwide. The multiple uses from industrial, transport, as well as recreational activities have required researchers, regulators, and legislators to understand and, where possible, to minimize any expected negative environmental impacts. As with any international sea, assessing the...

The potential risk to the marine environment of oil release from potentially polluting wrecks (PPW) is increasingly being acknowledged, and in some instances remediation actions have been required. However, where a PPW has been identified, there remains a great deal of uncertainty around the environmental risk it may pose. Estimating the likelihood...

The EU REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorisation of Chemicals) was adopted in 2006 to regulate the human and environmental risks of chemicals in all applications and will be implemented by 2018. So far, the environmental risks from offshore chemicals in the North Sea have been regulated by the Harmonised Mandatory Control Scheme...

Estuaries are amongst the most socio-economically and ecologically important environments however, due to competing and conflicting demands, management is often challenging with a complex legislative framework managed by multiple agencies. To facilitate the understanding of this legislative framework, we have developed a GIS based Estuarine Plannin...

Dechloranes are a group of compounds arising from Diels-Alder reactions of hexachlorocyclo-pentadiene. They were first patented in the 1960s as replacements for the hazardous pesticide and flame retardant Mirex (Sverko et al., 2011). The primary replacements for Mirex were Dechlorane 602 (DDC-DBF), Dechlorane 603 (DDC-Ant), Dechlorane 604 (HCTBPH),...

The UK Marine Management Organisation (MMO) tasked the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) with reviewing the current UK dispersant efficacy testing procedures. The aim was to identify possibilities to increase standardisation, improve health and safety performance and explore harmonisation possibilities with internation...

The stock of European Eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) is considered critically endangered due to a severe decline in recruitment. While the reasons for this decline are still not fully understood, management plans have been introduced on an international scale in order to aid the recovery of the stock. Management actions include (among other things) sto...

Several eel species of the genus Anguilla are considered endangered due to a severe decline in recruitment. Up to now, the reasons for this threatening development are not fully understood. The eel's highly specialized biology can lead to explicitly high accumulation of globally distributed organic lipophilic contaminants during its continental lif...

A new standard method for the UK to test the efficacy of oil spill treatment products. Avilable at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/get-an-oil-spill-treatment-product-approved-tests

This study reports the occurrence and distribution of organophosphor esters (OPEs), used as flame retardants and plasticizer, in the marine atmosphere of the German Coast. From August 2011 to October 2012, 58 high volume air samples (gas/particle phase separately) were collected at the German North Sea coast town Büsum. With the use of a GC-MS/MS S...

Gas-particle partitioning is one of the key factors that affects the environmental fate of semi volatile organic chemicals. Many organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been reported to primarily partition to particles in the atmosphere. However, because of the wide range of their physicochemical properties, it is unlikely that OPEs are mainly in the pa...

The stock of European Eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) has reached an all-time low in 2011. Spawner quality of mature eels in terms of health status and fitness is considered one of the key elements for successful migration and reproduction. Dioxin-like Polychlorinated Biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are known persistent organic pollutants potentially affecting the...

A total of 53 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) were analysed in sediments, European eels and dabs from both freshwater and marine sampling stations in the German Bight and the river Elbe. Classic HFRs, such as polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), were the highest concentrated HFRs in eels as well as in most dabs (apart from 1,2,5,6-tetrabromoc...

This study reports the occurrence and distribution of organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers (OPEs) in the Elbe and Rhine rivers. A special focus of this investigation concerns the potential impacts of a major flood event in 2013 on the OPE patterns and levels in the Elbe River. In this river, 6 of 13 OPEs were detected, with tris-ethyl...

53 brominated and chlorinated flame retardants were investigated in sediment samples from the German rivers Elbe and Weser, the German Bight, Jadebusen, East Frisian Coast as well as the UK East coast. The aim of the presented study was to investigate the prevalence of different halogenated flame retardant groups as contaminants in North Sea sedime...

The populations of American (Anguilla rostrata) and European eels (Anguilla anguilla) have been declining rapidly in the last decades. Organic contaminants are suspected to be one of the possible causes for the decline; however, so far there have been few investigations of the uptake of specific compounds by different life cycle stages (e.g. freshw...

The levels of PBDEs, alternate BFRs and dechloranes in European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) samples (elvers, yellow and silver eels) were investigated to compare the contamination of eels from the rivers Elbe and Rhine and to estimate the BFR contamination throughout the eel's life cycle. PBDEs were the dominating flame retardants (FRs) in muscle tissu...