Learning objectives
To provide knowledge of the available methods to predict and monitor the impact of potentially harmful chemicals on natural ecosystems
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Part I: From toxicology to ecotoxicology
Analysis of toxic effects:
- acute, chronic and sublethal effects
- response: binary and continuous variables
- experimental design and analysis of concentration-response data
- limits of laboratory tests
Part II: Application in environmental toxicology
General criteria for selecting test types and methodology.
Toxicology of aquatic systems:
- tests with freshwater and marine organisms
- sediment toxicity tests.
Toxicology of terrestrial systems.
Biomarkers: principles and applications
Part III: Prediction of toxicity and environmental quality criteria
Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSARs): principles and applications
Environmental quality criteria: the different approaches to their quantification
Complex mixtures
Toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE)
Part IV: Biodegradability and environmental fate
Physical-chemical properties of toxicants in predictive ecotoxicology.
Degradation processes
Bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and biomagnification.
Fate models
Part V: Risk assessment
General principles and applications.
Legislation
Laboratory practical
Acute toxicity tests with freshwater invertebrates
Full programme
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Bibliography
o Recommended readings: Vighi M., Bacci E. (1998). Ecotossicologia. UTET, Torino
Calow P. (1994). Handbook of Ecotoxicology. Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford. Vol. 1 and 2.
Teaching methods
Oral lesson and laboratory
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam
Other information
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