The latest news from Eawag

A global shift to agriculture with no or fewer pesticides would have long-term ecological and economic benefits, according to a new study.

Eawag researchers are using machine learning to map nitrate pollution in Swiss groundwater. This allows gaps in the measurement network to be filled and the causes of excessive values to be identified. The study is part of a larger project analysing the nitrogen cycle in Switzerland.

Walter Giger was a pioneer in the life cycle analysis of environmental pollutants. He analysed, but also insisted that action be taken when the harmfulness of a substance was proven. His work on toxic nonylphenols attracted worldwide attention. Walter Giger passed away on 6 November 2025. With his passing, Eawag and environmental chemistry have lost an outstanding researcher, but for many he was also a good friend.

A new website and two fact sheets provide up-to-date information on PFAS, the forever chemicals in the environment, and outline possible courses of action.