The widespread use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has introduced new contaminants into our environment. This study delves into how veterinary antibiotics enter ecosystems and their potential impacts, particularly the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is considered as a major health threat by the EU.
May 6, 2025
Veterinary antibiotics enter the environment through improper disposal of drugs, ineffective wastewater treatment, waste streams from antibiotic production, and human and animal excretion. Although environmental concentrations of antibiotics are often very low, their continuous release and persistent presence can increase the abundance of resistant bacteria. Current EU measures aim to reduce antibiotic use in humans and livestock, enhance environmental monitoring, and propose new legislation for risk assessments and eco-friendly products.
The study reviewed 162 studies on the effects of various antibiotics on aquatic life, highlighting certain classes of antibiotics as critical due to their prevalence and impact. These antibiotics not only persist in the environment but also promote bacterial resistance. The findings of the review stress the urgent need to tackle antibiotic contamination in aquatic ecosystems to safeguard environmental and human health. Further research is essential to close knowledge gaps and develop targeted strategies to mitigate these risks.
Dive into the full article “Assessment of ecological risks posed by veterinary antibiotics in European aquatic environments: A comprehensive review and analysis” by Albarona et al. to explore the detailed findings and implications!
Webinar 1 – 2026 The Australian PFAS Cauldron – Same Contaminants, Different Journey
Australia offers a highly relevant case study of how PFAS contamination challenges conventional approaches to environmental governance and risk assessment. This perspective was presented by Matthew Askeland, Principal Environmental Scientist at ADE Consulting Group, and Karl Bowles, Senior Principal Environmental Scientist at Jacobs and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Queensland (QAEHS), both representing ALGA’s Emerging Contaminants of Concern Special Interest Group.
Webinar 2 – 2026 Drivers in the management of PFAS contaminated sites
Sweden has taken a proactive, science-based approach to managing PFAS-contaminated sites, particularly those originating from historical use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) at firefighting training areas. Since 2022, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has coordinated a governmental assignment, in collaboration with other authorities, to enhance understanding of PFAS pollution and develop effective remediation strategies. This work remains ongoing with several years of funding secured. Niclas Johansson, project manager for the Swedish government’s national initiative on PFAScontaminated sites (RUPFO), shared the project findings during the webinar.
Webinar 3 – 2026 PFAS Risk Evaluation in Soils and Excavated Materials in Flanders
Flanders has developed a practical, science-driven system for setting PFAS limits in soil and excavated materials. This approach carefully balances the protection of human health and the environment with the practical need for soil reuse. The framework was presented by Kaat Touchant and Ingeborg Joris from VITO the Flemish institute for technological research.
Webinar 4 – 2026 Emerging Contaminant Challenges in the New European Soil Monitoring Law
The European Soil Monitoring Law (Directive), published in the Official Journal on 26 November 2025 and entering into force on 16 December 2025 was presented by Esther Goidts, who is a soil scientist and seconded policy officer at the European Commission. Soils deliver critical ecosystem services—including food and biomass production, water purification, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity support—yet most European soils are degraded, with contamination contributing to annual economic costs exceeding €50 billion. The Directive represents a landmark step toward achieving healthy soils across the European Union by 2050. Developed to address widespread soil degradation, the Directive establishes a coherent, integrated framework for monitoring soil health, enhancing resilience, and managing contamination.
Save the date for the EmConSoil Webinar Series on the 21st and 28th of April and the 5th and 12th of May!
A new EmConSoil webinar series is coming! Get ready for inspiring talks, cutting-edge insights, and practical solutions from leading experts in emerging contaminants, contaminated soils and environmental sustainability. Four sessions are planned at the end of April (21st and 28th) and beginning of May (5th and 12th) 2026 each time from 9:00 till 10:00 CET.
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