Glossary
0..9
24h-sampling urine
Particularly suitable matrix for human biomonitoring because chemicals and/or their metabolites excreted with urine have been in direct contact with the organism. Therefore, measurements in urine can give valid information regarding the internal human body burden.
2cx-MMHP
Mono(2-carboxymethyl-hexyl)phthalate is a secondary metabolite of DEHP.
4-Nonylphenol
Alkylphenol with a C9-alkyl-chain
4-tert-octylphenol
Alkylphenol with a C8-Alkyl-chain
5cx-MEPP
Mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl)phthalate is a secondary metabolite of DEHP.
5OH-MEHP
Mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl)phthalate is a secondary metabolite of DEHP.
5oxo-MEHP
Mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl)phthalate is a secondary metabolite of DEHP.
7cx-MiNP
Mono(4-methyl-7-carboxyheptyl)phthalate is a oxidised DiNP metabolite with functional carboxyl-group.
7OH-MiNP
Mono(4-methyl-7-hydroxyoctyl)phthalate is a oxidised DiNP metabolite with functional hydroxyl group.
7oxo-MiNP
Mono(4-methyl-7-oxo-octyl)phthalate is a oxidised DiNP metabolite with functional oxo group.
A
Abiotic factors
Physical and chemical parameters that influence an environment such as light, temperature, current, pressure, salinity, and pH
aerobic
Term for an oxygen-dependent lifestyle or oxygen-dependent chemical reactions
Agrarian Ecosystems
Agrarian ecosystems cover more than half the surface area of Germany and thus decisively shape the landscape.
AHTN
One of the world's most important fragrance among the chemical group of polycyclic musks
Algicide
also: Algaecide. Chemical agent used to kill algae or control their growth
Alkylphenol compounds
Class of non-ionic surfactants and their degradation products
Allergic skin reaction
Allergic reaction of the skin upon contact with certain substances like synthetic fragrances or metals
alpha-HCH
The main constituent of technical HCH
anaerobic
Term for an oxygen-independent lifestyle or for chemical reactions that work only in the absence of oxygen
Analytes
Analytes are the subject of investigation and have been chosen to represent substances or groups of substances that describe either a basic physiological state or else toxic or carcinogenic conditions.
Anopheles
Genus of mosquito of which some species may transmit the tropical disease malaria
Archive
The long-term storage of environmental and human specimens is regarded as the main task of the German Environmental Specimen Bank: The Environmental Specimen Bank provides a continuous historical record of the state of the environment in Germany.
Arsenic
Ubiquitous toxic metalloid
B
Bactericide
Chemical substance intended to kill bacteria
Beech
As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m.
Benzo[a]pyrene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with five connected six-membered rings
Benzo[b]naphtho[2,1-d]thiophene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with three six-membered rings and one five-membered ring with a single sulphur atom
Benzo[e]pyrene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with five connected six-membered rings
Benzo[ghi]perylene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with six connected six-membered rings
Benz[a]anthracene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with four connected six-membered rings
beta-HCH
Most persistent HCH-isomer with the highest potential for biomagnification
bioaccumulation
Increase in concentration of a substance in an organism
Bioaccumulation potential
Ability of a substance to enrich in organisms independent of the uptake route (surrounding medium, food)
bioavailability
Difference between the concentration of a substance an organism is exposed to and the amount which is ingested and absorbed
Biocide
Chemical agent capable to destroy living organisms
biodiversity
Biological diversity
biomagnification
Increase in concentration of a substance in an organism through dietary uptake
Biomagnification potential
Ability of a substance to enrich in the food web
Biosphere Reserve
Extensive protected areas (natural and precious cultural landscapes) that have been recognized in the UNESCO Programme “Man and the Biosphere” (MAB) established in 1976
Blood plasma
Ideal matrix for most chemicals because it is in contact with the whole organism and in equilibrium with the organs and tissues in that chemicals are being accumulated
Blue mussel
One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
Bream
Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
Butylbenzyl phthalate
Only phthalate of commercial importance with differing side chains, one of them representing a benzyl group
C
Cadmium
Rare metal which in nature is mostly associated with zinc ores
Carbon content
Basic element for all living organisms and constituent of minerals, e.g. limestone
Carcinogenicity
Property of a substance or radiation to trigger or exacerbate cancer
Chlorohydrocarbons
Group of organic compounds with at least one covalently bonded chlorine atom
Cholesterol
Essential steroid and indicator for disorders of the lipid metabolism and for the risk of vascular calcification, heart diseases and stroke
Chromium
Naturally occurring transition metal
Chronic toxicity
Toxic effects caused by repeated doses of or continous exposure to a substance over a long period of time
Chrysene + Triphenylene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with four connected six-membered rings
Cobalt
Naturally occurring transition metal
Collective, group
Here: group of test persons of one sampling site
Common bladder wrack
Common brown alga of the coastal areas of the North and Baltic Sea
Common spruce
A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
Congener
Chemical compounds with identical basic structure but different substitution patterns
Copper
Common metal widely used by humans
Coronene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with seven connected six-membered rings
Creatinine
Break-down product of creatine phosphate in muscle and indicator for renal dysfunctions
D
DDT and metabolites
Toxic and persistent organochloropesticide
Degree of needle density
Sum of needle mass fractions of all age-groups in percent
Density (urine)
Indicator for renal function
Developmental toxicity
Potential of a substance to affect growth and development of organisms
Di-n-butyl phthalate
Short-chain phthalate registered as auxiliary for pharmaceutical products that have to be administered encapsulated to resist gastric juice
Diastereomers
Molecules with identical molecular formula but different structures that are, however, not mirror images of each other
Dichotomous
Divided into two parts, plant shots split into two branches
Dieldrin
Very effective insecticide that was widely used as contact and stomach poison for soil insects like termites, grasshoppers and beetles and for textile pests until the early 1970s
Diethylhexyl phthalate
The world's most important plasticizer among the chemical group of phthalates
Diisobutyl phthalate
Short-chain phthalate whose use in packaging materials for food has been withdrawn voluntarily by the industry in 2007
Diisononyl phthalate
Mixture of phthalate diesters differing slightly in branching of the alcohol chains and main substitute of DEHP as plasticizer
Dioxins
Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs). Persistent and highly toxic organic pollutants
Dry weight
Reference value for contaminant contents, based on the weight of dried material
E
Earthworm (Aporrectodea longa)
As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
Earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris)
As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
Ecosystems
The investigations are carried out in 6 ecosystem types.
Ecosystems close to conurbations
Ecosystems close to conurbations, or urban-industrial ecosystems, are areas of human activity where natural factors are in part significantly modified or annulled and, especially in built-up areas, only function in very fragmented ways.
Eelpout
As the only viviparous fish in German nearshore waters, it is a bioindicator in nearshore coastal marine ecosystems.
Enantiomers
Molecule pair with identical molecular formula but laterally reversed steric configuration (mirror images of each other)
endocrine disrupting activity
Potential of a substance to act like a hormone and disturb the physiological equilibrium of the endocrine system of animals and humans
Endocrine disruptor
Natural or synthetic substance that acts like a hormone (hormonally active agent) and thereby disturbs the physiological balance of the endocrine system of animals and humans
Environmental quality standard (EQS)
Means the concentration of a particular pollutant or group of pollutants in water, sediment or biota which should not be exceeded in order to protect human health and the environment
EPA-List
16 EPA-PAH. List of 16 PAH which have been classified as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency and are commonly analysed in environmental samples as representatives of the whole group of PAH
Equivalent diameter
Measure for the size of irregular shaped particles which is, for instance, used in the determination of particle sizes in soils and sediments
EU-List
List generated by the EU and the Scientific Committee Food (SCF) comprising 15+1 priority PAH which are regarded as representative of the whole group of PAH
Eutrophication
Increase in concentration of chemical nutrients in an ecosystem which leads to extensive growth of plants, algae, and other photosynthetic organisms like cyanobacteria
F
Feral pigeon
A pigeon species home in nearly every city.
Fluoranthene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with three six-membered rings and one five-membered ring
Forestry ecosystems
Almost a third of Germany is covered in forest, most of it under productive forestry management.
Fungicide
Chemical or biological agent intended to kill fungi or fungal spores or inhibit their growth
Furans
Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Persistent and highly toxic organic pollutant
H
Herbicide
Chemical substance used to control unwanted plants (weeds)
Herring gull
Inshore, the herring gull mainly feeds from the sea: upon fish, mussels, and crabs.
Hexachlorobenzene
Fungicide which was mainly used in seed treatment and as wood and timber preservative
Hexachlorocyclohexane
Several isomeric compounds among the group of chlorinated hydrocarbons
HHCB
The world's most important fragrance among the chemical group of polycyclic musks
homeostasis
Self-regulation
Homogenate
pooled sample consisting of combined cryogenic material of a specific matrix, e.g. whole organisms like earthworms or organs like fish livers which have been mechanically disrupted and finely ground at cryogenic temperature
Human samples
Human body fluids and hair.
I
Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with five six-membered rings and one five-membered ring
Inorganic species
Bonding form and oxidation state of elements, used mainly for metals and metalloids
Insecticide
Chemical agent intended to kill insects and their development stages
Iron
Naturally occurring transition metal
Isomers
Chemical compounds with identical molecular formula but different structure (constitutional- or structural isomers) or with different spatial positioning of the atoms (stereoisomers)
L
Lead
Naturally occurring poisonous heavy metal
Limnetic samples
Animal samples from rivers and lakes.
Lindane (gamma-HCH)
Highly effective insecticide that was banned from agricultural use in 2002 and restricted in pharmaceutical use in 2007
Lipid content
Parameter to normalise concentrations of lipophilic substances
Lipophilicity
Lipophil = “fat-loving”. Property of a substance to dissolve in fats, oils, and non-polar solvents such as hexane or to solve fats and oils itself
Lombardy poplar
A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
M
Magnesium
Naturally occurring non-toxic alkaline earth metal
MAK
Maximum concentrations at the workplace (Maximale Arbeitsplatz-Konzentrationen)
Malaria
Tropical disease transmitted by mosquitoes. The main symptom of malaria is cyclical occurrence of fever which may be fatal.
Manganese
Naturally occurring transition metal
Marine ecosystems
The structure and function of marine ecosystems are not the only factors to take into consideration when analysing marine organisms. All major changes at sea also induce changes in terrestrial ecosystems. The seas serve to regulate the weather, as a transport network, as a source for numerous food and mineral substances and as the final link in the chain of ecosystem loading.
Marine samples
Samples of marine-animals, sea weeds and seabirds.
Matrix
Sample material, e.g. bream liver, bream muscle, soft bodies of mussels
MBzP
Mono-benzylphthalate is the primary metabolite of Butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP) resulting from elimination of the butyl group.
Median
In statistics the numerical value which halves a distribution of size ranked measured values
MEHP
Mono(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate is the primary metabolite of DEHP after cleavage of one alcohol group.
Mercury
Naturally occurring highly toxic transition metal, which is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure
Metabolism
Metabolism of chemical substances by cells
Metabolite
Intermediate or product of metabolic processes
Metalloid, semi metal
Chemical elements which can not be clearly assigned to metals or non metals regarding their physical and chemical properties
Metals
Eighty percent of all elements on earth are metals
Methyl triclosan
Product of methylation of triclosan
Methylmercury
Organometallic compound that is naturally formed from inorganic mercury ions
MiBP
Mono-iso-butylphthalate is the primary metabolite of DiBP resulting from the elimination of one iso-butyl group.
MnBP
Mono-n-butyl phthalate is the primary metabolite of DnBP resulting from the elimination of one butyl group.
Molluscicide
Chemical agent used to kill molluscs, especially snails and slugs
Mutagenicity
Potential of a substance or radiation to alter the genetic material of cells and thus increase the frequency of mutations
N
National Park
Clearly defined area protected against human interventions and environmental pollution by precautionary measures. A greater part of the area must meet the requirements of a nature reserve.
Nearly natural terrestrial ecosystems
Nearly natural ecosystems are exceptional in that they have preserved their ancient structure and function without significant human manipulation.
Nickel
Naturally occurring transition metal
Nonmetals
Only eighteen elements in the periodic table
O
Octachlorostyrene
Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chlorinated organochlorine compound
Organo mercury compounds
Organic substances with at least one mercury atom
Organochloro pesticides
Organochloro hydrocarbons with insecticidal properties
Organometallic compounds
Organic substances with at least one metall atom
Organotin compounds
Class of organometallic compounds of tin
P
p,p'-DDD
DDD is a metabolite of DDT with insecticidal properties. It is suspected to be carcinogenic and to act as endocrine disruptor.
p,p'-DDE
DDE is the main metabolite of DDT. It is even more persistent than the parent compound and is strongly accumulated by organisms. It is suspected to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and to act as endocrine disruptor.
Particle-size distribution
Important parameter for the characterisation of soils
PCB101
PCB101 is a low chlorinated, relatively volatile PCB. Together with other low chlorinated congeners (e.g. PCB28 and 52) it stands for acute contamination of the ambient air. It degrades rather fast and accumulation in organisms is lower compared to higher chlorinated congeners.
PCB118
PCB118 belongs to the toxicologically relevant group of dioxin-like PCBs (also known as WHO-PCBs) that have molecular-biological properties resembling those of dioxins and furans. They are highly toxic. Technical mixtures of PCB contain only trace amounts of dioxin-like PCB. They can occur as by-products of incineration processes.
PCB138
PCB138 is a higher chlorinated PCB. It is hardly degradable and accumulates strongly in organisms and the food web. Together with other high chlorinated congeners (e.g. PCB153 and 180) it stands for long-term contamination mainly through food.
PCB153
PCB153 is a higher chlorinated PCB. It is hardly degradable and accumulates strongly in organisms and the food web. Together with other high chlorinated congeners (e.g. PCB138 and 180) it stands for long-term contamination mainly through food.
PCB180
PCB180 is a higher chlorinated PCB. It is hardly degradable and accumulates strongly in organisms and the food web. Together with other high chlorinated congeners (e.g. PCB138 and 153) it stands for long-term contamination mainly through food.
Pentachlorophenol
Persistent chlorinated hydrocarbon and effective biocide
Persistence
Property of substances to remain in the environment over long time without being altered by physical, chemical or biological processes
pH-value
pH-value as measure for the alkalinity or acidity of a medium
Phenanthrene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with three connected six-membered rings
Phosphorus
Common element in the environment and constituent of many minerals
Phthalates
General-purpose plasticizers for PVC and other polymers
Pine
A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
Polychlorinated biphenyls
Persistent and toxic chlorinated compounds
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Group of organic compounds with at least three condensed six-membered rings
Polycyclic musks
Class of synthetic fragrances
Potassium
Naturally occurring alkali metal
Pubic hair
Ideal matrix for the detection of internal exposure to methylmercury.
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride. Thermoplastic polymer used, for instance, in flooring, upholstery, tubes, and electrical cable insulation
Pyrene
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with four connected six-membered rings
R
Reproductive toxicity
Potential of a substance or radiation to affect fertility and/or embryonic growth
Riverine ecosystems
Riverine ecosystems can be considered as the final link in the functional structure of the terrestrial environment, as they function as a sink and a vehicle for discharges from the mainland, which they pass on to the marine ecosystems.
Rodenticide
Chemical agent intended to kill rodents like rats and mice
Roe deer, one-year-old
The roe deer is the most common of the larger herbivores (first order-consumer) to be found in the wild in Europe.
RoHS
Restriction of Hazardous Substances. EU-Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronical equipment
S
Saliva
Via element analysis in saliva release of alloy components of dental (prothesis) materials can be assessed.
Sampling areas
The sampling areas have been selected to represent adequately the major types of ecosystems in Germany and taking into account the varying intensities of anthropogenic impact and land use.
Scalp hair
Ideal matrix for the detection of internal exposure to methylmercury.
Selenium
Relatively rare element that naturally occurs both in its elemental form and in many minerals
Specimen types
The specimen types have been selected in such a way as to permit load observations within both a spatial and a time framework, thereby providing optimum information about overall conditions in the various sampling areas.
Standard deviation
Measure of variation around the mean value
Standard operating procedures
To achieve a high degree of quality assurance, every step in the procedure from sampling through transport, preparation and analysis of the specimen to long- term storage is the subject of binding Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for each type of specimen.
Stockholm Convention
POP-(Persistent Organic Pollutant) Convention. International agreement on the ban and restriction of certain persistent organic pollutants
Strontium
Alkaline earth metal with high reactivity that occurs naturally only in compounds with other elements
Students
Student groups with an even number of female and male students at the age of 20 to 29.
Sulfur
Ubiquitous element which naturally occurs in its elementary form as well as in sulfide- and sulfate minerals
Suspended particulate matter
Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
T
Teratogenicity
Potential of a substance or radiation to affect the growth and development of an embryo or fetus
Terrestrial samples
Samples of animals living on land and plants growing on land.
Thallium
Rare element which occurs naturally as trace element in many minerals
Thallus
Vegetation tissue of algae (not differentiated in stem, leave and root
Thousand needle weight
Weight of 1.000 needles of a tree in gram
Tidal creek or tideway
In- and outlet systems for the tidal current in the mudflat with a relatively stable course despite the regular flooding
Total Carbon (TC)
The total carbon content of a sample comprises the carbon of all inorganic and organic compounds and free carbon.
Total Inorganic Carbon (TIC)
The TIC of a sample is a measure for the inorganic carbon compounds like carbon dioxide, carbonates and bicarbonates.
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
The TOC content in a sample is a measure for the organic matter which comprises all living and dead biomass.
Total protein
Indicator for the protein metabolism
Total volume (urine)
Essential additional parameter for the determination and assessment of renal function
toxicity
toxicity = poisonousness
Transect
Section of a landscape or sampling area defined according to certain criteria
Tributyltin
Organometallic compound of tin with three butyl groups
Triclosan
Chlorinated aromatic biocide
Triglycerides
Storage form of fatty acids and indicator for several diseases and the risk of thrombosis and vascular calcification
Triphenyltin
Organometallic compound of tin with three phenyl groups
Tsetse fly
Genus of flies and vector of the tropical human sleeping sickness and the animal trypanosomiasis (Nagana)
Tumour-promoting property
Potential of a substance to accelerate tumour growth
V
Viscosity
Thickness of fluids, suspensions and liquefied material. Measure for the inner resistance to deformation
W
water catchment area
Clearly definable geographical entity in a landscape which allows a quantification of material transport and conversion (input and output)
Water content
Parameter to calculate wet weight from dry weight and vice versa
Wet weight
Reference value for contaminant contents, based on weight of fresh, undried material.
Synonym: fresh weight
Whole blood
Ideal matrix for most chemicals because it is in contact with the whole organism and in equilibrium with the organs and tissues in those chemicals are being accumulated.
Z
Zebra mussel
Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
Zinc
Rather common element which occurs mainly in ores