… Marahrens / Umweltbundesamt What is needed above all for soil to develop is time, and of course rock, which is the material from which soil develops. Likewise necessary are organic substances, water, air and microorganisms. last update on 19.02.2014 A lengthy process Soil is formed and … depending on the intensity of the factors that are brought to bear. But soil is far more than a mere mixture of exclusively mineral particles of varying sizes; for it …

… Soil functions Soil is home to this creature. Soils contain much more than this. Source: santia3 Fotolia.com Soil carries out myriad functions that are free of charge and extremely powerful, and that are what make soil so valuable not only to us but … of the history of civilization Soil is an archive that we can read as we read a book. The vertical sequencing of soil strata bears testimony to the history of our …

… the Paris Agreement Scientists around the world warn of a temperature increase of more than 1.5°C. Source: SmallWorldProduction / stock.adobe.com What do people mean … the “1.5°C goal” in the context of climate change? What is the origin of this value and how is it quantified? What happens if we exceed it – is there any way back down … In this text, we look at the emergence of the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement and explain why we need to keep it within reach. last update on 15.04.2025 With the …

… / Umweltbundesamt Germany has many different kinds of soil, which are studied and described by soil scientists. As in the plant kingdom, a distinction is made … a discipline that is practiced by agricultural engineers, geographers, geologists, and lately environmental scientists who specialize in ecology. This field needs to … “soil of the year” has been selected, and is announced each 5 December. Another and more recent focus of soil science is effective soil conservation, which mainly aims …

… to the European research project PARC. The study examines the exposure of children and adolescents in Germany to environmental pollutants. In PARC, data from 20 … is analysed to determine the chemical exposure of the population in Europe and to advise policy makers. last update on 21.02.2025 Note regarding participation in the study: Participants are selected at random using a scientific procedure so that they represent the children and young …

… Concepts and mitigation strategies A doctor is holding the earth in the palm of his hand Source: BillionPhotos.com / Adobe Stock To ensure the long-term protection of … as the drug development stage, for example, by designing active substances that are more degradable in sewage treatment plants and in the environment. Under the concept …

… Source: MF / Umweltbundesamt The assessment of the environmental impact of human and veterinary medicinal products has been an integral part of the authorisation … the environmental risk assessment. last update on 18.12.2024 The UBA is legally mandated to assess environmental risks as part of the market authorisation process … decision tree to identify products considered environmentally relevant, for which a more detailed Phase II risk assessment is required. A Phase II risk assessment is …

… knowledge of the effects of chronic intake – even at low concentrations – on humans and the environment. last update on 18.12.2024 Having a reliable supply of pharmaceuticals is crucial for human and animal health. However, both this and the sometimes careless handling of … oral contraceptives. Unlike the natural hormone estradiol, ethinylestradiol is much more stable, is poorly removed in sewage treatment plants, and therefore enters …

… Entry and occurrence of human pharmaceuticals in the environment Pharmaceutical substances … biocides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and various other chemicals. More about micropollutants: The German Centre for Micropollutants     Entry pathways …

… Informational materials on pharmaceuticals and the environment Informational … Household waste instead of glass containers Leftovers of liquid pharmaceuticals are more frequently disposed of incorrectly via wastewater than solid ones. To address …

… medication reviews, engaging in collaboration with medical professionals, and providing information on the responsible disposal of leftover medicines. last … protection while maintaining high-quality patient care. Further information: Entry and occurrence of human pharmaceuticals in the environment Environmental effects of … pharmaceuticals when dispensing over-the-counter medicines. Some products may be more readily biodegradable in sewage treatment plants and the environment or have a …