SETAC 2025

Ricardo is proud to announce our participation in the 35th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe, taking place from 11-15 May 2025 in Vienna. This prestigious event brings together leading scientists from academia, business, industry, and regulatory bodies to address critical environmental challenges.

Our experts will be at the forefront of discussions presenting the following topics:

The Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT): Implementing a Methodology for Data Quality Evaluation and Weight of Evidence in Persistence Assessments

Session: Developments, Challenges and Solutions in Chemical (Bio)Degradation and Persistence Assessment

Ricardo’s Megan Griffiths will be available to discuss the poster on updates to the Ricardo-developed Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT). The PAT was developed to address challenges in regulatory persistence assessments by providing a structured, transparent methodology for evaluating the quality of persistence data and combining them to reach single conclusions. The PAT, freely available on the Ricardo website, also includes features for assessing complex substances and offers customisation for different regulatory frameworks. As the PAT is now referenced in the new CLP Guidance, ongoing improvements, such as increased flexibility in study inputs and treatment of half-lives, are being made based on user feedback and will be presented in this poster.

We welcome further stakeholder input to enhance the PAT’s adoption and ensure consistent, transparent decision-making in persistence assessments.

Evaluating Organophosphate Flame Retardant (OPFR) Removal in Drinking Water Treatment: A Multi-Site Study in England and Wales

Session: Advancing Treatment of Organic Micropollutants in Water and Wastewater

Megan Griffiths and Chesney Swansborough’s poster will demonstrate the findings of a study investigating the presence of OPFRs in untreated and treated drinking water at three treatment plants across England and Wales. The study assessed the effectiveness of various treatment processes in removing OPFRs by collecting water samples at multiple treatment stages over four intervals in 2024. A range of OPFRs were analysed to evaluate their persistence and removal efficiency. The results provide insights into the performance of conventional and advanced treatment methods, supporting future monitoring efforts, guiding water companies, and informing UK policy development on emerging contaminants in drinking water.

Results of Ring Testing for the Selection Reference Substances for Improving Chemical Persistence Assessment in Higher Tier OECD 309 Simulation Test

Session: Developments, Challenges and Solutions in Chemical (Bio)Degradation and Persistence Assessment

Kate Schofield and Megan Griffiths’s poster will present the results of a ring trial to evaluate the suitability of caffeine and 2,4-D as new reference substances for OECD 309 biodegradation testing. Selected through a screening process, these substances were tested alongside aniline under varying conditions, including different temperatures (12°C and 20°C), concentrations (1 and 10 µg/L), and inoculum sources. This study across nine European laboratories enhances the reliability of OECD 309 testing, supporting more accurate and consistent persistence assessments for environmental risk evaluations.

Review of experimental approaches and analytical methods for biodegradability and persistence assessment of water-soluble and water-dispersible polymers

Session: Can Biodegradable Polymers Serve as a Safe and Sustainable Solution to Environmental Accumulation of Polymers?

Ricardo’s Elaine Jennings is a co-author for a platform presentation, presented by Chris Hughes, focusing on the persistence assessment of water-soluble polymers. Water-soluble polymers (WSP) are important and diverse classes of macromolecules that are used in a wide variety of applications, including home and personal care and agricultural formulations. Historically, polymers have been considered of relatively low concern due to anticipated low bioavailability. However, more recently this perception has changed, with proposals for introducing polymer registration requirements under REACH as part of the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability. This presentation will investigate the applicability of current biodegradability and persistence frameworks to WSP, review available standard and experimental methods used for WSP persistence assessment, and provide recommendations for future research and advancements in these areas.

Improving the Uncertainty Evaluation for Nanomaterial Worker Exposure Assessment for SSbD

Session: From Nanomaterials to Advanced Materials: Challenges and Progress in Research, Industrial Application and Regulation

In this presentation, James Hanlon presents a developed methodology for assessing uncertainty for worker exposure assessments using nanomaterial control banding tools which could be employed in SSbD. This methodology will be demonstrated using a thermoplastic industrial case study on single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and a polycarbonate (PC) matrix in Stoffenmanager Nano. 

Environmental concentrations of Bisphenol A in North American Waters

Session: Analysis, Assessment and Management of Contaminants of Emerging Concern and Their Transformation Products

In this study, Chesney Swansborough provides a comprehensive analysis of measured BPA concentrations in the environment from 2010 to 2022. Monitoring data from both freshwater and saline surface waters and sediments across North America were gathered from peer-reviewed literature and publicly available monitoring databases. The data were rigorously evaluated using the Criteria for Reporting and Evaluating Exposure Datasets (CREED) framework, developed by a team of experts, through the auspices of SETAC, aimed at standardizing the assessment of chemical exposure data. Relevant and reliable data were consolidated into a database covering 39 North American states and territories. Detection limits varied among studies, with a notable portion of data reported below the limits of detection (LOD).

This study has provided an updated understanding of BPA presence in natural surface waters, built on previous analyses conducted from the 1990s to 2010, and aimed to establish a robust statistical foundation for assessing environmental exposures of BPA across North America.

Showcasing Expertise

We are particularly excited to present our latest research on innovative methodologies and case studies that advance understanding in these critical areas. We look forward to engaging in thought-provoking discussions with fellow experts and sharing our latest research and insights.

Persistence Assessment Tool (PAT) demo at our stand

Join us for a live demo of the PAT in action—plus, get a chance to sit down with one of our experts for a personalised walkthrough of the tool’s key features and functionalities.

Book a slot with one of our experts today! 

Join Us in Vienna

Our team of specialists will be available at Stand 92 throughout the SETAC meeting to discuss your specific needs and explore potential collaborations. We look forward to engaging in thought-provoking discussions with fellow experts.