Name: Barbara Witt
Diploma / M.Sc degree: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany
(January 2012)

PhD Project: Toxicological characterisation of lipid soluble organic arsenicals

Abstract of Research Project

Arsenic is ubiquitously found in the environment, main exposure occurs via inorganic (drinking water) and organic arsenicals (seafood). Whereas inorganic compounds are categorized as human carcinogens, the knowledge about the occurrence and toxicity of organic arsenicals is still limited. The objective of my doctoral thesis is to produce a data set for a first in vitro based risk assessment for food relevant arsenolipids. Therefore several toxicity endpoints will be studied applying various in vitro and in vivo model systems. Finally the toxic profile of the respective arsenolipids will be compared with the toxic profile of inorganic arsenic.