This thesis combines field and laboratory studies to address some of the most pressing questions in the field of microplastic research.

How do nanoparticles bioaccumulate and biodistribute in organisms?

The application of nanomaterials in industrial processes and consumer products provides many societal benefits, but can also lead to the release of nanomaterials into the environment. The work in this dissertation aims to provide insights into the potential environmental impacts that may follow from…

Can we distinguish the effects of pesticides from other abiotic and biotic factors that occur in the field? And how do these factors interact with pesticides?

The aim is to discover where differently shaped metal nanoparticles distributes in Danio rerio, linking the distribution with genomic responses and so come up with a Mode of Action.

What is the mechanism of action preceding a physiological effects induced by metallic nanoparticles?

Chemische stoffen en nanomaterialen worden massaal in producten verwerkt terwijl de risico’s niet goed ingeschat worden. Keer op keer blijken gesynthetiseerde stoffen het milieu sterker te verontreinigen dan labtesten voorspelden. Daarvoor waarschuwt hoogleraar Ecotoxicologie Martina Vijver van de Universiteit…

Freshwater is an important resource, but at a great risk of species decline due to habitat loss, pollution and over-exploitation, and invasive alien species.

This thesis aimed to investigate the impact of exposure dynamics, relative contributions of ENPs(particle) and ENPs(ion), and dosing regimens on the toxicity of ENPs varying in different physico-chemical properties, on the composition and functioning of soil microbial communities.

Nanotechnologie heeft de afgelopen jaren verschillende industriële sectoren veroverd. Hoewel velen zich er misschien niet van bewust zijn, zijn nanomaterialen verweven in veel van de producten die we dagelijks gebruiken. En de landbouwsector is als volgende aan de beurt. Leidse milieuwetenschappers…