Short Abstract: This talk will present a multi-scale, AI-driven framework for prioritizing high-risk contaminants in regional aquatic environments, exemplified by a case study on AhR-mediated toxicities in the Pearl River Delta. The workflow initiated with text mining of historical occurrence data to delineate spatially explicit pollution profiles. These data-driven insights were integrated with high-resolution mass spectrometry-based chemometric analysis and machine learning to resolve region-wide contaminant distribution patterns. At prioritized sites, targeted effect-directed analysis, coupled with structure-informed deep learning and non-target screening, was employed to identify candidate toxicants. Subsequently, a knowledge graph based, full-spectrum toxicity network was constructed to quantitatively characterize the dominant toxicity pathways within complex mixtures derived from the candidate chemical pool. This integrative approach linked regional exposure patterns with mechanistic toxicology, advancing the data-informed identification and prioritization of hazardous chemicals in aquatic mixtures. Short CV: Fei Cheng is an Associate Professor at the State Key Laboratory of Advanced Environmental Technology, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry (GIG), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). His research focuses on the spatiotemporal patterns of toxicants. His recent work includes uncovering regional characteristics of contaminants and toxicities using big data, establishing links between biological effects, molecular structures, and chemical exposure through deep learning, and developing intelligent methods to identify high-risk chemicals in aquatic mixtures.

Host: Prof. Beate Escher / Department Cell Toxicology Venue: Building 7.3, Hall 7.013 Start: 9 am Join Zoom Meeting: https://ufz-de.zoom-x.de/j/63733539276?pwd=ZqKWQs9VT7lFn5n9edWRclzmsy3grd.1 Meeting ID: 637 3353 9276 Passcode: 903796

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english

Short Abstract: Chemicals coexist in complex combinations in the living environment, and hence, people are exposed to diverse chemical mixtures. Due to the complexity of these mixtures and the difficulty of predicting their interactions, addressing mixture exposure remains a significant challenge in environmental health management. Compared to human exposure, chemical mixtures found in consumer products are generally more straightforward in terms of the number of ingredients, making their toxicities more amenable to modeling and prediction. However, applying these predictions to chemical safety management presents several challenges. In contrast, human biomonitoring detects far more complex chemical combinations, making the interpretation of health implications particularly difficult. This challenge largely arises from the inherent variability of mixture compositions and the difficulties in exposure modeling. Statistical models have been widely used in epidemiological approaches to interpret health outcomes, but most fail to incorporate biological information about chemicals in a mixture. In my lab, both toxicity-based approaches, such as the relative potency factor for chemicals with similar modes of action, and empirical approaches, which consider actual mixture combinations occurring in humans regardless of the mode of action, have been explored in understanding the health implications of the exposure. In this lecture, I will present our recent experiences with several approaches to understanding mixture-related issues in environmental health, discuss key findings, and introduce ongoing research efforts.

Host: Prof. Annika Jahnke / Department Exposure Science Venue: KUBUS Hall 2 and via Zoom Start: 10 am Join Zoom Meeting: https://ufz-de.zoom-x.de/j/7156227906?pwd=OHZjK21VZ2lWdmk4aEIvUHhGWmo0QT09&omn=65987586350 Meeting-ID: 715 622 7906 Passcode: cZ3G3N

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english

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german, english

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Andreas Staak <andreas.staak@ufz.de>
Phone: - 1632

9^th World Conference of the International Society for Microbial Electrochemistry and Technology (ISMET)

ISMET9 will bring together leading scientists, researchers, and industry professionals from around the world to share their latest discoveries, innovations, and insights in microbial electrochemistry and related disciplines.

The conference will feature a diverse program of keynote lectures, scientific short talks, and poster presentations, providing a comprehensive platform for knowledge exchange and networking.

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Welcome from the Local Organizing Committee

It is our great pleasure to invite you to the 13th International Symposium on Anaerobic Microbiology, ISAM2025.
The conference will be held from 22 to 25 September 2025 in Leipzig, Germany.
The ISAM conference series has a long tradition and aims to bring together researchers from all areas of anaerobic microbiology. It is known for its relaxed and collaborative atmosphere that promotes lively scientific discussions and networking. PhD students and early career scientists are especially encouraged to submit abstracts for oral presentations.

We look forward to welcoming you in Leipzig.

ISAM2025 will cover the following main topics:

• Biogas microbiology
• Gut microbiology
• Anaerobic fungi
• Novel cultivation approaches to isolate anaerobes
• Molecular and omics approaches to analyze anaerobic microbiomes
• Anaerobic wastewater treatment
• Anaerobic degradation of environmental contaminants
• Biotechnological applications of anaerobes
• Microbes in anoxic environments

299105_ISAM2025_Flyer.pdf

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english