It combines the best of both worlds. The ability to detect effects and the power to identify as well as elucidate molecule structures are interconnected by a sophisticated fractionation. The EDA principle is easily explained: (1) samples are tested for their effects in one or more bioassays, (2) effective samples are fractionated and fractions tested again, (3) effective fractions are further fractionated and tested, and finally (4) the substances in the few remaining effective fractions are chemically identified.
While sounding quite easy, EDA can be highly complex effort, due to the multitude of options for experimental design. Which bioassays should be used for screening, which biological effect should be targetted? How to properly fractionate the samples, for a most succesful separation of the compounds of interest? What techniques and methods are suitable for structure identification and elucidation?
These and many other crucial questions form a seemingly uncontrolled network of possibilities, that makes EDA a major challenge in environmental toxicology and chemistry. Werner however set out to tame this beast. He invited a large number of colleagues to write a comprehensive overview article about all aspects involving and impacting experimental design in EDA. We were among the lucky ones he asked to contribute to "Effect-directed analysis supporting monitoring of aquatic environments — An in-depth overview".
While sounding quite easy, EDA can be highly complex effort, due to the multitude of options for experimental design. Which bioassays should be used for screening, which biological effect should be targetted? How to properly fractionate the samples, for a most succesful separation of the compounds of interest? What techniques and methods are suitable for structure identification and elucidation?
These and many other crucial questions form a seemingly uncontrolled network of possibilities, that makes EDA a major challenge in environmental toxicology and chemistry. Werner however set out to tame this beast. He invited a large number of colleagues to write a comprehensive overview article about all aspects involving and impacting experimental design in EDA. We were among the lucky ones he asked to contribute to "Effect-directed analysis supporting monitoring of aquatic environments — An in-depth overview".
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