TY - JOUR A1 - Richter, Matthias A1 - Horn, Wolfgang A1 - Juritsch, Elevtheria A1 - Klinge, A. A1 - Radeljic, L. A1 - Jann, Oliver T1 - Natural building materials for interior fitting and refurbishment - What about indoor emissions? N2 - Indoor air quality can be adversely affected by emissions from building materials, consequently having a negative impact on human health and well-being. In this study, more than 30 natural building materials (earth dry boards and plasters, bio-based insulation materials, and boards made of wood, flax, reed, straw, etc.) used for interior works were investigated as to their emissions of (semi-) volatile organic compounds ((S)VOC), formaldehyde, and radon. The study focused on the emissions from complete wall build-ups as they can be used for internal Partition walls and the internal insulation of external walls. Test chambers were designed, allowing the compounds to release only from the surface of the material facing indoors under testing Parameters that were chosen to simulate model room conditions. The emission test results were evaluated using the AgBB evaluation scheme, a procedure for the health-related evaluation of construction products and currently applied for the approval of specific groups of building materials in Germany. Seventeen out of 19 sample build-ups tested in this study would have passed this scheme since they generally proved to be low-emitting and although the combined emissions of multiple materials were tested, 50% of the measurements could be terminated before half of the total testing time. KW - Bio-based insulation KW - Earthen building materials KW - Volatile organic compounds KW - Semivolatile organic compounds KW - Radon PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-519634 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14010234 VL - 14 IS - 1 (Special issue: Measurement of the environmental impact of materials) SP - 234-1 EP - 234-14 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-51963 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Piechotta, Christian T1 - Development, Validation and Application of an Accelerated Weathering Protocol for Assessing Bisphenol A Release from Polycarbonate Materials into the environment N2 - Bisphenol A (BPA) is under continuous regulatory scrutiny and listed as substance of very high concern (SVHC). Particular concern is related to its frequent detection in surface waters, despite being readily biodegradable. Several studies have been conducted to investigate sources and pathways of BPA in the environment, concluding that its main use as monomer in polycarbonate (PC) contributes only marginally to environmental BPA releases over its life cycle. To better understand the actual releases of BPA from PC under environmental conditions, a newly developed methodology (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, BAM) was applied, which comprises a novel accelerated weathering protocol for polycarbonate (PC) materials, combined with an advanced analytical setup allowing for improved detection of BPA at trace level concentrations. The weathering protocol achieves a 13.6-fold acceleration compared to Central European outdoor conditions and simulates environmental stressors (global radiation, rain, temperature variations) in a laboratory weathering chamber, with simultaneous BPA release measurements using an organic isotope dilution calibration LC-MS/MS approach. Validation was performed in parallel outdoor exposure tests, by using haze and yellowness index measurements as reference parameters. PC sample types representative of major polycarbonate applications were examined: Samples with different levels of UV-protection as used in transparent sheets used outdoor in construction or housings in Electro- and Electronic applications as well as samples with a protective coating as used in automotive applications (headlamps, glazing and construction). Results demonstrated consistently low total BPA releases of around 0.3 mg m⁻² for samples with exposed PC surfaces, while releases from coated samples were significantly reduced by around two orders of magnitude. In all cases examined, the BPA release ceased to zero after a period of four to six weeks, equivalent to approximately 1 to 1.5 years of outdoor exposure. This suggests that potential BPA releases diminish to virtually zero after that timespan. While the newly developed test method is not suitable for routine laboratory implementation, it provides crucial quantitative data on BPA release from PC materials during accelerated environmental weathering. T2 - Umwelt 2025 CY - Dessau, Germany DA - 22.09.2025 KW - Bisphenol A KW - Polycarbonate KW - Weathering PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64664 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Piechotta, Christian T1 - Development, Validation and Application of an Accelerated Weathering Protocol for Assessing Bisphenol A Release from Polycarbonate Materials into the environment N2 - Bisphenol A (BPA) is under continuous regulatory scrutiny and listed as substance of very high concern (SVHC). Particular concern is related to its frequent detection in surface waters, despite being readily biodegradable. Several studies have been conducted to investigate sources and pathways of BPA in the environment, concluding that its main use as monomer in polycarbonate (PC) contributes only marginally to environmental BPA releases over its life cycle. To better understand the actual releases of BPA from PC under environmental conditions, a newly developed methodology (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, BAM) was applied, which comprises a novel accelerated weathering protocol for polycarbonate (PC) materials, combined with an advanced analytical setup allowing for improved detection of BPA at trace level concentrations. The weathering protocol achieves a 13.6-fold acceleration compared to Central European outdoor conditions and simulates environmental stressors (global radiation, rain, temperature variations) in a laboratory weathering chamber, with simultaneous BPA release measurements using an organic isotope dilution calibration LC-MS/MS approach. Validation was performed in parallel outdoor exposure tests, by using haze and yellowness index measurements as reference parameters. PC sample types representative of major polycarbonate applications were examined: Samples with different levels of UV-protection as used in transparent sheets used outdoor in construction or housings in Electro- and Electronic applications as well as samples with a protective coating as used in automotive applications (headlamps, glazing and construction). Results demonstrated consistently low total BPA releases of around 0.3 mg m⁻² for samples with exposed PC surfaces, while releases from coated samples were significantly reduced by around two orders of magnitude. In all cases examined, the BPA release ceased to zero after a period of four to six weeks, equivalent to approximately 1 to 1.5 years of outdoor exposure. This suggests that potential BPA releases diminish to virtually zero after that timespan. While the newly developed test method is not suitable for routine laboratory implementation, it provides crucial quantitative data on BPA release from PC materials during accelerated environmental weathering. T2 - Umwelt 2025 CY - Dessau, Germany DA - 22.09.2025 KW - Bisphenol A KW - Polycarbonate KW - Weathering PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64665 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - Hunting for pigments in plastic biofilms from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch N2 - Each year, an immense amount of plastic debris enters marine ecosystems, much of which ends up in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP). The plastic fragments are home to a diverse community of microorganisms, and while researchers have gained a better understanding of these marine plastic biofilms, we lack insights into the physiology and genomic potential of the bacteria that colonize them. Examining the lifestyle of plastic colonizers from the GPGP is particularly intriguing, as the high concentration of plastics in this accumulation zone might allow for a microbial adaptation to this unique man-made habitat. A range of pigmentation was observed in 67 isolated strains obtained directly from plastic pieces sampled from the GPGP surface water. Sequence comparison between the cultivated bacterial strains and the 16S rRNA gene amplicon dataset confirmed that most of the cultivates could also be captured through DNA-only methods. Whole genome analysis of four taxonomically diverse representatives revealed multiple carotenoid pathways, including those to produce less common glycosylated carotenoids, like sarcinaxanthin glucoside. Further, we identified a potentially new Rhodobacteraceae species containing a photosynthetic gene cluster (PGC). Absorption analysis confirmed the actual production of the carotenoids and bacteriochlorophyll a. Floating plastics represent a habitat with strong UV-light exposure, making the protection with antioxidant carotenoids as well as the ability to use light as an energy source highly beneficial traits for plastic colonizers. Our findings indicate, that the production of pigments is a common adaption mechanism for plastic-associated bacteria, and that plastic biofilms present a so far overlooked source of rare carotenoids and light-harvesting mechanisms. T2 - Annual Conference of The Association for General and Applied Microbiology (VAAM) CY - Göttingen, Germany DA - 10.09.2023 KW - Plastic biofilm KW - Phototrophic bacteria KW - Plastic pollution PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58443 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - The Microplastic Microbiome N2 - Microplastics represent man-made and newly emerging surfaces in our ecosystems, where they interact with microorganisms. The ecosystem in focus of this presentation will be the aquatic environment. It will be portrayed, which microorganisms use microplastics as a habitat, how environmental factors shape this colonization, and why the biodegradation of plastics in the ocean is an overall unlikely process. We will also discuss whether potentially pathogenic microorganisms use microplastics as a raft. Finally, possible adaptation mechanisms of plastic-colonizing microorganisms will be presented, such as the production of photoreactive molecules. The microplastic microbiome has a large potential to harbor so far unknown species with curious traits, representing an exciting research topic for the future. T2 - Geomicrobiological and Geochemical Colloquium, GFZ CY - Potsdam, Germany DA - 20.02.2024 KW - Microplastics KW - Microbiome KW - Biofilm PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60203 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - Microplastic-microbiome interactions in aquatic ecosystems: a complex story N2 - As pervasive and persistent pollutants, microplastics exist alongside diverse microbial communities in nature. These hardy substrates accumulate rich polymeric matrices from their surroundings that in turn offer nutrition and protection to diverse communities and their theatre of activity, representing a new ecological niche. With our work, we aim to establish a holistic understanding of the interactions between microplastics and microorganisms within aquatic systems, and how these interactions shape their surrounding environment. In our research, we combine field sampling with in situ experiments, and apply high-throughput sequencing technologies to 16S genes and whole bacterial genomes. We demonstrate through our studies that biofilm communities exhibit no specificity to plastic polymer type but appear rather to be opportunistic colonizers more strongly shaped by spatial and temporal factors. While the polymer surface does not appear to elicit a selective effect on associated biofilms, our studies show that microplastics might shape communities in a different way. Based on our detection of carotenoid synthesis pathways and photosynthetic gene clusters among plastic biofilms, we postulate this new niche to shape a specific functional toolkit, adaptive among its members as a product of prolonged exposure to UV radiation at the sea’s surface. To fully assess the interactions between microplastics and microorganisms, however, one cannot consider plastics singularly but as a component within a more complex and interconnected system. It is known, for instance, that plastics can sorb significant concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the environment. We show, in our work, that the PAH sorption patterns of microplastics correlate significantly with the structure of associated biofilm communities. Elevated concentrations of specific PAHs on microplastics coincided with the enrichment of selected taxa reportedly capable of hydrocarbon utilisation as well as a reduced diversity among associated biofilm communities. Here, we present a synthesis of our collective research on microplastic biofilms in the aquatic environment, the factors that shape them, and their interactions with nature. To fully comprehend how microplastics impact ecosystems, the entire substrate must be considered, including all chemicals integrated into the polymeric matrix as well as associated biofilms. T2 - SETAC Europe 35th Annual Meeting CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Biofilms KW - PAH PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63154 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - The microplastic microbiome – an example for the intersection of biology and material research N2 - Biofilms live on the interface between human-made materials and the environment. Using aquatic plastics as an example, we explore their composition, their interactions with the plastic substrate, and their potentially useful functional roles. The presentation will further discuss the importance of considering plastic-associated pollutants in the investigation of such biofilms. T2 - Microbiological Colloquium ICBM CY - Oldenburg, Germany DA - 10.07.2025 KW - Microplastics KW - Microbiome KW - Biofilm PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63836 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja T1 - On the intersection of microbiome and material research: what can be achieved? N2 - Any surface in the environment acts as hotspot for microbial attachment and activity. These biofilms represent the interface between humans and the environment. While in the past biofilms were often seen as disturbance, we now start to understand the enormous potential of beneficial biofilms. They can be used in a broad range of applications and are sources for new microorganisms and traits. After all, biofilms represent a great example for a collaborative lifestyle. T2 - Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, Hereon CY - Teltow, Germany DA - 14.03.2024 KW - Biofilm KW - Microbiome KW - Sustainability KW - Biosphere KW - Microplastics PY - 2024 AN - OPUS4-60202 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Müller, Birgit A1 - Brandt, Simone A1 - Badura, André A1 - Knigge, Anton A1 - Horn, Wolfgang A1 - Jann, Oliver T1 - Geruchs- und emissionsarme Produkte für eine gesunde Innenraumluft - Entwicklung von Anforderungen für den Blauen Engel bei innenraumrelevanten, großflächigen Produkten N2 - Gerüche in Innenräumen können belästigend wirken und das Wohlbefinden sowie die Gesundheit beeinflussen. Hauptziel der Untersuchungen ist es zu prüfen, ob die Vergabekriterien des Blauen Engels für die Produktgruppen „Elastische Bodenbeläge“ (DE-UZ 120) und „Emissionsarme Bodenbeläge, Paneele und Türen aus Holz und Holzwerkstoffen für Innenräume“ (DE-UZ 176) um geruchsrelevante Aspekte ergänzt werden können. Dies ist erstrebenswert, da Untersuchungen in Vorgängerprojekten gezeigt haben, dass die gemessenen Emissionen untersuchter Produkte zwar abnehmen, die Geruchsbelastung jedoch in etwa gleichgeblieben ist. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen zeigen, dass es möglich ist Anforderungen an den Geruch der Produkte zu stellen. Ferner wird untersucht und gezeigt, dass die bislang vorläufig festgelegte Schwelle einer empfundenen Intensität von 7 pi für die Zulassung von Bauprodukten gemäß Schema des Ausschusses zur gesundheitlichen Bewertung von Bauprodukten (AgBB) und Blauer Engel, als Beurteilungsmaßstab geeignet ist. Der im AgBB-Schema zugrunde gelegte Zusammenhang zwischen der geruchlichen Zumutbarkeit und der empfundenen Intensität kann mit den durchgeführten Messungen untermauert werden. Es kann gezeigt werden, dass bei Tests mit großen, ungeschulten Personengruppen etwa 70% der Probandinnen und Probanden Produkte mit einer empfundenen Intensität von bis zu 7 pi geruchlich als zumutbar empfinden. Zur Bewertung der empfundenen Intensität wird ein Vergleichsmaßstab verwendet. Die Einhaltung konstanter Bedingungen für die Temperatur und die relative Feuchte bei den Messungen ist von großer Bedeutung, da diese einen Einfluss auf die Messergebnisse haben. Daher werden Untersuchungen bei unterschiedlichen Temperaturen und relativer Luftfeuchte, die mit einer eigens dafür gebauten kleinen raumlufttechnischen Anlage eingestellt werden können, durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse belegen, dass die Einhaltung konstanter Prüfbedingungen wichtig ist und zeigen deren Einfluss auf die Geruchwahrnehmung. In einem neuen Luftqualitätslabor der HTW Berlin können Innenräume unter standardisierten Bedingungen geprüft werden. Es werden vergleichende Messungen mit Emissionsprüfkammertests durchgeführt, um zu prüfen, ob ähnliche Ergebnisse erreicht werden können. Das Ziel ist es, die Räume später für sensorische Messungen mit verschiedenen Ausstattungen zu nutzen. Das Vorhaben baut auf den Ergebnissen der Vorhaben UBA Texte 35/2011 „Sensorische Bewertung der Emissionen aus Bauprodukten – Integration in die Vergabegrundlagen für den Blauen Engel und das Bewertungsschema des Ausschusses zur gesundheitlichen Bewertung von Bauprodukten“ (Müller, 2011) und UBA Texte 92/2019 „Emissions- und geruchsarme Bauprodukte für energieeffiziente Gebäude – Entwicklung von Anforderungen und Konzepten für den Blauen Engel aus Klimaschutzsicht“ (Müller, 2019) auf. KW - Emission KW - Indoor air quality KW - VOC KW - Geruch KW - Bauprodukte PY - 2025 DO - https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.60810/openumwelt-7610 SN - 1862-4804 VL - 78/2025 SP - 1 EP - 214 PB - Umweltbundesamt CY - Dessau-Roßlau AN - OPUS4-63341 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Musyanovych, A. A1 - Grimmer, Christoph A1 - Sadak, A. E. A1 - Heßling, L. A1 - Bilsel, M. A1 - Horn, Wolfgang A1 - Richter, Matthias T1 - Polymeric Capsules with VOCs for Controlled Emission N2 - Micro-(nano-)encapsulation technology involves building of a barrier between the core and the environment and offers a number of benefits to preserve the functional and physicochemical properties of core material. Tremendous progress has been made in synthesizing well-defined capsules to achieve desired properties such as particle size, chemical composition, and controlled release of the payload. Encapsulation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that could evaporate with a defined rate is of immense interest for application in emission reference materials (ERM). These are urgently needed for quality assurance and quality control purposes (QA/QC) required by test standards for the determination of chemical emissions of construction and other materials for interior use. As such ERMs are hardly available on the market, the EU-funded EMPIR project MetrIAQ [1] was started to fill this gap by developing a material with temporally constant emission of VOCs typically found in indoor air. Different capsules in a size range between 5 and 50 μm were synthesized through an interfacial polyaddition/polycondensation reaction in direct (water-in-oil) system. As VOC several types of hydrophobic liquid materials were used. After synthesis, the morphology and physicochemical properties of capsules were characterized by electron microscopy, FTIR and DSC/TGA. An encapsulation efficiency up to 90% could be reached. The emission kinetic of volatile agents was studied in emission test chambers at 23 °C and 50% RH for 14 days. First results indicate that variation of the cross-linking grade of the shell material is one important parameter to adjust the desired emission rate. The overall aim is to achieve a consistent emission profile that decreases by less than 10 % over a target period of at least 14 days. T2 - 36th European Colloid & Interface Society Conference CY - Chania, Crete, Greece DA - 04.09.2022 KW - Capsules KW - Volatile organic compound KW - Polymer KW - Material emissions KW - Reference materials PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-56039 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Li, Changchao A1 - Jin, Ling N. A1 - Bank, Michael S. A1 - Fan, Chunlan A1 - Gillings, Michael R. A1 - Zhao, Tingting A1 - Han, Yong A1 - Chen, Tian A1 - Gao, Meng A1 - Zhu, Dong A1 - Chen, Qinglin A1 - Zhu, Guibing A1 - Wang, Jie A1 - Wang, Lei A1 - Liu, Jian A1 - Yuan, Xianzheng A1 - Huang, Qishen A1 - Wang, Xiaofei A1 - Jahnke, Annika A1 - Brahney, Janice A1 - Allen, Steve A1 - Arp, Hans Peter H. A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja A1 - Bergmann, Melanie A1 - Pointing, Stephen B. A1 - Zhang, Daizhou A1 - Rillig, Matthias C. T1 - Potential planetary health impacts of the airborne plastisphere N2 - Microplastics are a ubiquitous yet long-overlooked component of airborne particulate matter. The surface of these plastic particles provides a unique niche for microorganisms, collectively known as the plastisphere. The plastisphere in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems harbors microbial communities with distinct compositions, structures, and functional profiles, posing potential planetary health risks. The characteristics, fate, and impacts of the microbiome associated with airborne microplastics, however, remain largely unknown. In this review, we fill the knowledge gaps by exploring how airborne microplastics serve as key habitats for microorganisms and the potential planetary health implications. We show that microplastics are expected to carry and sustain microorganisms over long distances and timescales in air, potentially dispersing pathogens, antibiotic-resistance genes, and other bioactive agents across ecosystems. These interactions may perturb ecological processes and biological health on a planetary scale. Interdisciplinary research and innovative methodologies are urgently required to better understand and mitigate the airborne plastisphere risks. KW - Microplastics KW - Microbiome KW - Plastisphere PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-645551 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2025.101446 SN - 2590-3322 VL - 8 IS - 10 SP - 1 EP - 17 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-64555 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Jahnke, Annika A1 - Beck, Aaron J. A1 - Becker, Richard L. A1 - Bedulina, Daria A1 - Braun, Ulrike A1 - Gerdts, Gunnar A1 - Hildebrandt, Lars A1 - Joerss, Hanna A1 - Klein, Ole A1 - Korduan, Janine A1 - Laforsch, Christian A1 - Lannig, Gisela A1 - Leslie, Heather A. A1 - Lips, Stefan A1 - Menger, Frank A1 - Nabi, Deedar A1 - Oberbeckmann, Sonja A1 - Primpke, Sebastian A1 - Pröfrock, Daniel A1 - Ramsperger, Anja F.R.M. A1 - Römerscheid, Mara A1 - Schmitt-Jansen, Mechthild A1 - Scholz-Böttcher, Barbara M. A1 - Tröppner, Oliver A1 - Wendt-Potthoff, Katrin A1 - Kühnel, Dana T1 - Perspective article: Multisectoral considerations to enable a circular economy for plastics N2 - Plastics are widely used but improper disposal and release lead to increasing global pollution, threatening environmental and human health. To address this issue, we suggest intersectoral collaboration to achieve zero plastic pollution. The outcomes of the project P-LEACH demonstrated the enormous complexity and range of potential toxic effects of plastic-associated chemicals and micro-/nanoplastics released into water from UV-weathered plastics. We initiated an intersectoral dialogue amongst scientists, manufacturers, regulators and representatives of civil society about how to alleviate the negative impacts of plastic pollution. Circular economy offers a framework for selecting non-toxic chemicals, extending product (re)use, and waste reduction, which act to alleviate pollution when applied to plastics. We suggest three measures to advance a circular economy of plastics: 1.) Increase simplicity of chemicals in virgin plastics combined with transparent information on the contents; 2.) Consider recyclability already in plastic material and product design; 3.) Foster communication through intersectoral dialogue. Major cornerstones are the provision of standardized, easy-to-use tools to characterize plastics and plastic leachates chemically and (eco)toxicologically, the enhancement of citizen awareness enabling them to make informed choices, the creation of economic incentives for manufacturers, and sector-specific regulations to provide products that safeguard environmental and human health. KW - Plastics KW - Circular economy KW - Cross-sectoral dialogue KW - Recyclability KW - Plastic-associated chemicals PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-638280 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2025.139326 SN - 0304-3894 VL - 496 SP - 1 EP - 9 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-63828 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Gerrits, Ruben A1 - Pokharel, R. A1 - Breitenbach, Romy A1 - Radnik, Jörg A1 - Feldmann, Ines A1 - Schuessler, J.A. A1 - von Blanckenburg, F. A1 - Gorbushina, Anna A1 - Schott, J. T1 - How the rock-inhabiting fungus K. petricola A95 enhances olivine dissolution through attachment N2 - Free-living and mycorrhizal fungi are able to enhance the weathering of rock and other solid substrates. Deciphering the exact mechanisms of these natural processes requires their experimental simulation. Moreover, by performing these simulations with genetically amenable rock-weathering fungi, one can knock-out certain fungal traits and consequently identify their weathering-relevant function. Here, the effect of the rock-inhabiting fungus, Knufia petricola A95, on the dissolution kinetics of an Fe-bearing olivine (Mg1.86Fe0.19SiO4) is investigated at 25 °C and pH 6 using reproducible batch and mixed flow experiments. The availability of a melanin-deficient mutant (ΔKppks) of K. petricola A95, which produces more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) than the wild type (WT), enables the comparative study of the role of melanin and EPS in olivine dissolution. In abiotic dissolution experiments, the olivine dissolution rate decreased considerably over time at pH 6 but not at pH 3.5. This inhibition of abiotic olivine dissolution at pH 6 was most likely caused by the in-situ oxidation of ferrous Fe and/or the precipitation of ferric hydroxides at the olivine surface. In corresponding biotic experiments at pH 6, both the wild type K. petricola and its melanin-deficient mutant ΔKppks solubilised and bound significant amounts of Fe released by olivine dissolution. Fe oxidation and precipitation were thus prevented and olivine dissolution proceeded faster than in the abiotic experiments. By sequestering Fe directly at the olivine surface, the attached wild type K. petricola cells were particularly efficient at preventing the oxidation of Fe at the mineral surface: the slowdown of olivine dissolution almost completely disappeared. The attachment capacity of these wild type cells is most likely mediated by wild type-specific EPS. Our presented experimental systems allow the oxidation of mineral-released Fe and include a rock-inhabiting fungus, thus simulating chemical, physical and biological conditions that set dissolution rates in a way that is relevant to natural ecosystems. KW - Black fungi KW - Bio-weathering KW - Forsterite KW - Knock-out mutant KW - Extracellular polymeric substances KW - Melanin Adhesion PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-509332 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gca.2020.05.010 VL - 282 SP - 76 EP - 97 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-50933 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Frenzel, Olivia A1 - Westphalen, Tanja A1 - Kaminski, Katja A1 - Kluge, Stephanie A1 - Bücker, Michael A1 - Piechotta, Christian T1 - Evaluation and Validation of an Accelerated Weathering Procedure to Characterise the Release of Bisphenol A from Polycarbonate Under Exposure to Simulated Environmental Conditions N2 - Bisphenol A (BPA) has been listed as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) due to its endocrine-disrupting properties according to REACH in 2017. European competent authorities have prepared a REACH restriction proposal to reduce BPA levels in the environment. The proposed limit for the concentration of free BPA and other bisphenols in articles is 10 mg kg−1. If exceeded, migration testing can demonstrate that no more than 0.04 mg L−1 is released from the product or material over its lifetime. German authorities are drafting a new restriction proposal after the original was temporarily withdrawn. The residual and migration limits mentioned above were key requirements from the previous restriction proposal. Numerous national and international standards exist for assessing how environmental factors affect the physical and chemical properties of products and materials—such as notch impact strength and tensile strength—but these standards do not cover the release of pollutants. A standardised procedure that covers all aspects of artificial weathering and monitors the subsequent release of pollutants is necessary, especially in the context of the regulation of these substances. An accelerated weathering procedure was established for non-protected samples. This material was not intended for outdoor applications. The testing procedure applied a typical weathering scenario that represents Central European climate conditions. The procedure was validated and applied to samples under distinct quality assurance aspects. Released BPA is quantified via an organic isotope dilution LC-MS/MS method. In parallel, identical samples were weathered outdoors on a weathering rack. Haze and yellowness index are measured to compare outdoor and weathering chamber results. KW - Artificial weathering KW - Polycarbonate KW - Bisphenol A KW - Simulated environmental conditions PY - 2025 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-645020 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/app151910361 SN - 2076-3417 VL - 15 IS - 19 SP - 1 EP - 15 PB - MDPI AG AN - OPUS4-64502 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Frelih, Milena T1 - Material-Microbiome Interactions N2 - Estimations show that the anthropogenic mass, the technosphere, already exceeds the biomass on Earth. Understanding the technosphere-environment interactions and their impacts is key to safe and healthy ecosystems and human societies. At BAM, we aim at promoting awareness for microorganisms living and evolving in contact with human-made materials and technical systems. We are creating datasets of biofilms on plastic and other anthropogenic materials and in the context of important technical challenges (e.g. microbially influenced corrosion or biocide-induced antimicrobial resistance). This enables us to identify and examine key organisms in the investigated systems that potentially harbor new, also industrially relevant, species and traits. Further, we explore material effects on aquatic microbial communities, aiming at the development and establishment of innovative and environmentally relevant methodologies. By using bioinformatic and molecular tools and interdisciplinary research, we enhance the understanding of material-microbiome interactions for a safe and sustainable future. T2 - NFDI4Microbiota Annual Conference CY - Cologne, Germany DA - 30.09.2025 KW - Microbiome KW - Microplastics KW - Black fungi KW - Nanoparticles PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-64637 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Frelih, Milena T1 - Impact of Engineered Nanomaterials on Microbial Communities in the Aquatic Environment N2 - Engineered nanoparticles have garnered significant attention for their unique properties and potential applications across various industries. They were extensively examined for their toxicological effect in vitro and in vivo, but their effects on environmental and biological systems remain underexplored. A key area of concern is how nanoparticles interact with microbial communities in natural ecosystems, since these communities are vital for processes such as nutrient cycling, biodegradation, and maintaining ecosystem health and functioning. Currently, environmental risk assessments of nanoparticles majorly involve higher organisms (e.g. algae, zooplankton), but omit the effects on complex communities and ecosystems as a whole. This research aims to investigate the impact of nanomaterials on aquatic microbial communities using a combination of laboratory experiments and field-sampling along a gradient from low to highly anthropogenically impacted aquatic ecosystems around Berlin, Germany. To holistically assess changes in microbial composition and functional activity in response to nanomaterial exposure, we will apply molecular, microbiological, analytical as well as OMIC methods. We hypothesize that nanoparticles induce significant compositional changes in microbial community structures, potentially leading to alterations in stress responses and other functional effects. Nanomaterials have the potential to benefit the environment by contributing to energy and resource efficiency, remediation of contaminated sites, or water treatment. In order to represent truly sustainable products, though, a safe use for humans and ecosystems must be assured. Ultimately, this research will contribute to more accurate environmental risk assessments and help guide the responsible use of nanotechnology in various industries. T2 - SETAC Europe CY - Vienna, Austria DA - 11.05.2025 KW - Microbial Communities KW - Aquatic Environment KW - Nanomaterials PY - 2025 AN - OPUS4-63164 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Even, Morgane A1 - Hutzler, C. A1 - Wilke, Olaf A1 - Luch, A. T1 - Emissions of volatile organic compounds from polymer-based consumer products: comparison of three emission chamber sizes N2 - The ISO 16000 standard series provide guidelines for emission measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials. However, polymer-based consumer products such as toys may also release harmful substances into indoor air. In such cases, the existing standard procedures are unsuitable for official control laboratories due to high costs for large emission testing chambers. This paper aims at developing and comparing alternative and more competitive methods for the emission testing of consumer products. The influence of the emission chamber size was investigated as smaller chambers are more suited to the common size of consumer products and may help to reduce the costs of testing. Comparison of the performance of a 203 l emission test chamber with two smaller chambers with the capacity of 24 l and 44 ml, respectively, was carried out by using a polyurethane reference material spiked with 14 VOCs during the course of 28 days. The area-specific emission rates obtained in the small chambers were always similar to those of the 203 l reference chamber after a few hours. This implies that smaller chambers can provide at least useful numbers on the extent of polymer-based consumer product emissions into indoor air, thereby supporting meaningful exposure assessments. KW - Comparison KW - Consumer products KW - Emission chamber KW - Reference material KW - Volatile organic compounds PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-493697 DO - https://doi.org/10.1111/ina.12605 VL - 30 IS - 1 SP - 40 EP - 48 PB - Wiley VCH-Verlag AN - OPUS4-49369 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bresch, Harald T1 - OECD TG 125 Particle size and size distribution of Nanomaterials N2 - This presentation was held in an OECD Webinar introducing the newly developed and published OECD TG 125 on particle size and size distribution. The presentation is explaining the structure if the TG 125 and addresses all included methods and methodologies in a short and understandable way for the broader public. The presentation includes sections about nano-particles and nano-fibres. T2 - Webinar Series on Testing and Assessment Methodologies CY - Online meeting DA - 07.02.2023 KW - Nano KW - Nanomaterials KW - OECD KW - Test guideline KW - Size PY - 2023 UR - https://www.oecd.org/chemicalsafety/nanomet/presentations-webinar-nanomaterials-particle-size-distribution-test-guideline-125.pdf AN - OPUS4-58447 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Bresch, Harald T1 - Übersicht zu Projekten bei DIN/ISO, VAMAS und CCQM N2 - Information der AG-Nano der Bundesoberbehörden zur Strukturierung und den laufenden Aktivitäten bei ISO und DIN sowie VAMAS und CCQM. T2 - Behördenklausur Nano der Bundesoberbehörden CY - Berlin, Germany DA - 14.09.2022 KW - Nano KW - Bundesoberbehörden KW - Behördenklausurtagung PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-56757 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Breitenbach, Romy A1 - Gerrits, Ruben A1 - Dementyeva, Polina A1 - Knabe, Nicole A1 - Schumacher, Julia A1 - Feldmann, Ines A1 - Radnik, Jörg A1 - Ryo, M. A1 - Gorbushina, Anna T1 - The role of extracellular polymeric substances of fungal biofilms in mineral attachment and weathering N2 - The roles extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) play in mineral attachment and weathering were studied using genetically modified biofilms of the rock-inhabiting fungus Knufia petricola strain A95. Mutants deficient in melanin and/or carotenoid synthesis were grown as air-exposed biofilms. Extracted EPS were quantified and characterised using a combination of analytical techniques. The absence of melanin affected the quantity and composition of the produced EPS: mutants no longer able to form melanin synthesised more EPS containing fewer pullulan-related glycosidic linkages. Moreover, the melanin-producing strains attached more strongly to the mineral olivine and dissolved it at a higher rate. We hypothesise that the pullulan-related linkages, with their known adhesion functionality, enable fungal attachment and weathering. The released phenolic intermediates of melanin synthesis in the Δsdh1 mutant might play a role similar to Fe-chelating siderophores, driving olivine dissolution even further. These data demonstrate the need for careful compositional and quantitative analyses of biofilm-created microenvironments. KW - Biofilms PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-549025 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00253-1 SN - 2397-2106 VL - 6 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Springer Nature CY - London AN - OPUS4-54902 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - GEN A1 - Breitenbach, Romy A1 - Gerrits, Ruben A1 - Dementyeva, Polina A1 - Knabe, Nicole A1 - Schumacher, Julia A1 - Feldmann, Ines A1 - Radnik, Jörg A1 - Ryo, M. A1 - Gorbushina, Anna T1 - Data for "The role of extracellular polymeric substances of fungal biofilms in mineral attachment and weathering" N2 - Data for the publication "The role of extracellular polymeric substances of fungal biofilms in mineral attachment and weathering" (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41529-022-00253-1). It includes: - The Summary of the EPS concentration, EPS sugar components and EPS linkages. - The Summary of the XPS analysis of freeze-dried biofilm samples of all strains. - The Summary of the pH, Mg, SI and Fe concentration, biomass and olivine dissolution rate for each time point of all dissolution experiments. KW - Biofilms PY - 2022 DO - https://doi.org/10.26272/opus4-54901 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-54901 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brandt, S. A1 - Müller, B. A1 - Brozowski, F. A1 - Plehn, W. A1 - Horn, Wolfgang T1 - Weiterentwicklung des Geruchsmessverfahrens für Bauprodukte T1 - Further development of the odour measurement method for building products N2 - Bauprodukte und Einrichtungsgegenstände für Innenräume, wie Bodenbeläge und Wandpaneele, sollen das Wohlbefinden und die Gesundheit der Raumnutzerinnen und -nutzer nicht durch das Ausdünsten von Geruchsstoffen stören. Mit der Geruchsprüfung nach ISO 16000-28 „Innenraumluft - Bestimmung der Geruchsstoffemissionen aus Bauprodukten mit einer Emissionsprüfkammer“ wird der Produktgeruch zu einer messbaren Größe. So kann z. B. die empfundene Intensität, also die Stärke eines Geruchseindruckes, mit Hilfe eines Vergleichsmaßstabes von Probandinnen und Probanden ermittelt werden. Im hier vorgestellten Projekt werden Vorschläge zur Weiterentwicklung der Methode vorgestellt, um im Ergebnis die Reproduzierbarkeit der Messergebnisse weiter zu verbessern. Dabei werden vor allem das Probenpräsentationssystem und die Bewertungsmethodik für die empfundene Intensität bei der Bewertung von Bauprodukten gemäß AgBB-Schema betrachtet, da diese einen wesentlichen Einfluss haben. N2 - Emissions or odours occurring from building products and furnishings for interiors, like floor coverings or wall panels, should not have a negative impact on well-being or health. Odours can be measured applying the standard ISO 16000-28 „Indoor air - Determination of odour emissions from building products using test chambers” It describes among other procedures the assessment of perceived intensi-ty with comparative scale by a group of panellists. In the study presented here, proposals for further technical development of the methodology are discussed to increase the reproducibility of measurement results. The sampling procedure and evaluation method of perceived intensity are investigated in particular because they have a major influence at the assessment of construction products applying the procedure of the Committee for Health Evaluation of Building Products. KW - Geruchsmessung KW - Emissionen KW - Bauprodukte KW - VOC PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-527458 UR - http://www.gefahrstoffe.de SN - 0949-8036 SN - 1436-4891 VL - 81 IS - 3-4 SP - 151 EP - 155 PB - VDI Fachmedien CY - Düsseldorf AN - OPUS4-52745 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Brandt, S. A1 - Brozowski, Frank A1 - Horn, Wolfgang A1 - Plehn, W. A1 - Müller, B. T1 - Weiterentwicklung des Geruchsmessverfahrens für Bauprodukte (Teil II): Anwendung eines Adapters und vereinfachtes Bewertungsverfahren T1 - Further Development of the Odour Measurement Method for Building Products (Part II) N2 - Zur Weiterentwicklung der Probenpräsentation wurde ein Adapter entwickelt, der Emissionsprüfkammer und Bewertungstrichter miteinander verbindet und dadurch eine der direkten Messung vergleichbare Geruchsbewertung ermöglicht. Die analytischen Messungen zeigen, dass es kaum Unterschiede in der Zusammensetzung der Probenluft in der Kammer im Vergleich zum Probenbehälter gibt. Bei den olfaktorischen Messungen kam es jedoch bei der Bewertung der Probenluft mit Hilfe des Adapters zu Minderbefunden. Anschließende Untersuchungen zeigten, dass beim Ausschalten des Geräts Umgebungsluft über den Trichter in den Adapter strömt und zu einer Verdünnung der Probenluft führt. Um dies zu vermeiden, werden derzeit weitere Messungen durchgeführt. Eine weitere Versuchsreihe wurde durchgeführt, um den Messaufwand bei der Bewertung der empfundenen Intensität zu reduzieren. Die entwickelte „größer-oder-kleiner/gleich“ Abfrage kann hier hilfreich sein. Die Untersuchungen im Luftqualitätslabor und im Rahmen eines Ringversuches mit verschiedenen Laboren, zeigen, dass die Abfrage in fast allen Fällen zu den gleichen Ergebnissen führt, wie die normgerechte aber aufwendigere Ermittlung der empfundenen Intensität mithilfe des Vergleichsmaßstabes. N2 - For technical improvement of sample presentation an adapter was developed to connect the emission test chamber with the evaluation funnel and thus enabling a more direct measurement. The analytical measurements demonstrate that the air has a very similar composition sampled at the funnel or in the emission test chamber. The results of the olfactory measurements show overall that the intensities determined using the adapter are often reported as lower. Further investigations have shown that air backflow via the funnel into the sample container of the adapter may be the cause. This has to be avoided in future. Another experimental series was carried out to reduce the measurement effort of evaluation of perceived intensity. Here application of the developed ‘greater than, or less than/equal to’ survey could be helpful. The results of the measurements in the air quality lab and in the frame of a round robin test indicate, that the survey leads to the same evaluation as the more complex determination of perceived intensity with standard method. KW - Geruchsmessung KW - VOC-Emission KW - Bauprodukte KW - Bewertungsverfahren PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-549875 UR - http://www.gefahrstoffe.de SN - 0949-8036 SN - 1436-4891 VL - 82 IS - 3-4 SP - 83 EP - 89 PB - VDI Fachmedien CY - Düsseldorf AN - OPUS4-54987 LA - deu AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Brandt, S. A1 - Brozowski, F. A1 - Horn, Wolfgang A1 - Plehn, W. A1 - Müller, B. T1 - New developments in odour testing: Adapter connects emission test chamber and funnel N2 - Healthy and energy efficient buildings must be free from disturbing odours. Odour emissions from building materials can be measured with the well-known and accepted standard ISO 16000-28 “Indoor air – Part 28: Determination of odour emissions from building products using test chambers”. For commonly used emission test chambers the sample air is collected in containers (bags) and presented to a group of panel members for the purpose of evaluating the odour. A standard sets requirements for the on-demand presentation in detail. These include the validation procedure for container materials, pre-treatment of bags, details on storage of filled bags and how to carry out the measurements. However, although these measures are proven in practice, incorrect measurements are still possible. Also errors can occur due to a very complex measurement procedure. So, there is a great need for research into how the odour samples are presented. The proposal planned to be presented will introduce a new development in sample provision by using an adapter which enables collection and provision of sample air without storage or transport of bags. The adapter is a sample container which is permanently positioned on the emission test chamber´s outlet and continuously filled with sample air flowing through it. The flow is briefly interrupted at the time when a sample is taken by a panel member for the test. The size of the container is sufficient to provide enough sample air for evaluation by at least one panel member via a funnel. Since sampling and presentation are technically connected, it means you can almost do away with storage or transportation and thus it can be presented almost unchanged to the panelmembers. The aim is to reduce measurement errors in the odour samples provision process and the improvement of measurement reproducibility. The paper presents the construction of the adapter as well as the results of emission and odour tests carried out so far. T2 - CLIMA 2022 The 14th REHVA HVAC World Congress CY - Rotterdam, The Netherlands DA - 22.05.2022 KW - Perceived Intensity KW - Emissionen KW - Geruch KW - Bauprodukte PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-556192 DO - https://doi.org/10.34641/clima.2022.168 SP - 1 EP - 5 PB - TU Delft open CY - Delft, Niederlande AN - OPUS4-55619 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Brandt, S. T1 - Odour Emissions from Building Products Simplifying the Evaluation of Perceived Intensity N2 - One criterion to evaluate the odour of a sample is perceived intensity П which is evaluated with the aid of a comparative scale. The procedure is well accepted but also time consuming and extensive. The study should help simplify the testing procedure by asking the panel members to only indicate whether a sample is perceived as less to equally intense or of greater intensity in comparison to a given acetone concentration of 7 pi on the comparative scale. In Germany a value of 7 pi is required for products to be suitable for the indoor use. The results show that the simplified test is basically suitable. T2 - Indoor Air Conference 2022 “Healthy people in healthy indoor environment” CY - Kuopio, Finland DA - 12.06.2022 KW - Perceived Intensity KW - Emissions KW - Chamber test KW - Odour KW - VOC KW - Building product PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-55623 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Ahlawat, A. A1 - Seeger, Stefan A1 - Gottschalk, Martin A1 - Tuch, T. A1 - Wiedensohler, A. T1 - Observation of systematic deviations between Faraday cup aerosol electrometers for varying particle sizes and flow rates - results of the AEROMET FCAE workshop N2 - Condensation particle counters (CPCs) are widely used for the measurement of aerosol particle number concentrations in the size range from approximately 3 nm to 3 μm. For an SI-traceable calibration of the size-dependent counting efficiency, which is advisable on a regular basis and required in several applications, Faraday cup aerosol electrometers (FCAEs) are considered to be a suitable SI-traceable reference.While the volumetric aerosol inlet flowrate and the electrical current measurement in FCAEs can be related to respective SI references, inter-comparison exercises for FCAEs are still performed on a regular basis to establish reliable uncertainty budgets and to further investigate the influences of designs and operational parameters on comparability. This is strongly demanded in the international community of metrological institutes and aerosol calibration facilities around the world, which provide CPC calibrations. In the present study, the performance of FCAEs was investigated,using Ag test aerosol particles with a 30 nm particle diameter by varying the inlet flowrates from 0.5 l min−1 to 4 l min−1. From our experimental results, significant deviations were observed in FCAE currents at sample flowrates smaller than 1.5 l min−1. It is recommended that these discrepancies should be quantified before an FCAE is used for CPC calibration at low sample flowrates and small particle sizes in the sub-30 nm size range. KW - Faraday cup aerosol electrometer KW - CPC calibration KW - Inter-comparison KW - Aerosol measurement instruments PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-531315 DO - https://doi.org/10.1088/1681-7575/ac0710 SN - 1681-7575 SN - 0026-1394 VL - 58 IS - 5 SP - 1 EP - 8 PB - Institute of Physics (IOP) CY - Bristol, UK AN - OPUS4-53131 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -