Course objective: The aim of this course is to provide knowledge of the interactions between anthropogenic chemicals and aquatic ecosystems as well as of methods employed in aquatic toxicity testing. The origin, toxicity, fate of pollutants and their impact at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, physiological, organismal, and community levels of organization will be presented. Students will also be exposed to some of the classical methodologies and understand basic concepts behind both in situ and in vitro aquatic toxicity testing with special attention given to biological markers in aquatic organisms.
Course outcome: students should acquire knowledge about main classes of toxicants including emerging contaminants in water bodies and main effects of toxic agents in aquatic organisms. After taking the course, the student shall also have a good overview about the most important methods and study approaches used in studies and research of environmental pollutant chemicals.
Literature:
Amiard-Triquet C, Amiard J-C, Mouneyrac C (2015) Aquatic Ecotoxicology: Advancing Tools for Dealing with Emerging Risks. Academic Press, Elsevier Inc., London.
Walker, C.H., Hopkin, S.P., Sibly, R.M., Peakall, D.B. (2006) Principles of Ecotoxicology. Taylor and Francis, London.