Ge Xie
I am passionate about understanding the impact of man-made chemicals on organisms. My previous research is mainly focused on the potential of sublethal endpoints in toxicity studies and environmental risk assessment. After obtaining a BSc in Environmental Sciences, I went to Wageningen University for an in-depth study in ecotoxicology and received my MSc degree. I investigated joint effects of neurotoxic compounds that have different modes of action on the behaviour of nematodes, and used a model to explore the effects of dispersal behaviour altered by chemical stress on population recovery.
In my PhD study at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I will examine the toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on selected producers and primary consumers in aquatic, terrestrial and benthic compartments, in order to understand the toxicity and bioaccumulation of PFAS. Toxicity of PFAS will then be linked to chemical properties and soil and sediment characteristics. This project will ultimately deliver a risk assessment of PFAS in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.