Aquatic Toxicology

Code:

RM31

Acronym:

TA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Marine Biology and Ecology

Instance: 2022/2023 - 2S (of 20-02-2023 to 14-07-2023)

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Microscopy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master Degree in Marine Sciences - Marine Resources

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MCMRM	7	Oficial Plan 2018	1	-	5	50	135

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

In the last decades, the study of Aquatic Toxicology has developed in a unique way, due to the increasing global scarcity of drinking water and the decrease in marine resources, so important for the sustainability of life on our planet. For these reasons the main objectives of this curricular unit (UC) are to provide knowledge and skills in this multidisciplinary area that integrates toxicology with biology, aquatic ecology and aquatic chemistry.

To this end, the effects of man-made compounds, as well as other natural and anthropogenic materials, will be studied, with the ability to alter the biology of aquatic organisms considering various levels of organization, i.e., cells, individualized organisms, communities and ecosystems.

The main study targets that will be considered are the marine, estuarine and freshwater aquatic environments. In this context, in addition to the study of water quality, the matrices associated with it, such as sediment and suspended materials will be also studied.

The performance and application of standardized toxicity tests (acute, subacute and chronic) will be emphasized throughout the UC. These tests allow the evaluation of endpoints, such as the survival, growth and reproduction of aquatic organisms chosen specifically due to their high ecological importance and sensitivity. The application of bioindicators and biomarkers will also be considered as a means of investigating aquatic toxicity.

Finally, tools for risk assessment in polluted aquatic environments will be provided.

Learning outcomes and competences

It is expected that students gain skills in the study area, being able to assist in the evaluation of risk situations, the proposed solutions for the prevention and learn to identify the analytical means to diagnose the degree of environmental pollution.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Theoretical programmatic content (Summary)

• Introduction to toxicology and its evolution towards aquatic toxicology;


• Types and mechanisms of response to toxicants;


• Phases of exposure, toxicokinetics, and toxicodynamics of toxic agents in the aquatic environment;


• Evaluation of toxic responses.


• Discussion of toxic responses at the level of biological organization, molecule/biochemistry, cell, and animal until its impact on populations, communities, and ecosystems;


• Understanding of the metabolism and effects of specific groups of common environmental pollutants in the aquatic environment (e.g. polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, metals, dioxins, dibenzofurans, natural and synthetic estrogens, pharmaceutical products);


• A brief introduction to the main analytical methods used in field analyses;


• Use and development of bioindicators and biomarkers;


• Determination of bioaccumulation and bioamplification factors;


• Risk assessment.

Practical programmatic content (Summary)

Standardized toxicity tests using freshwater or saltwater invertebrate species (microcrustaceans). Elaboration and interpretation of experimentally obtained dose-response curves.

Mandatory literature

Wayne Landis, Ruth Sofield, Ming-Ho Yu; Introduction to Environmental Toxicology: Molecular Substructures to Ecological Landscapes, Fifth Edition, CRC Press , 2017. ISBN: ISBN 9781498750424

Complementary Bibliography

Ernest Hodgson ; A Textbook of Modern Toxicology, Wiley-Blackwell, Fouth Edition, 2010. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0470462065
Marquita K. Hill ; Understanding Environmental Pollution, Cambridge University Press, Third Edition, 2010. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-0521736695
Wayne G. Landis, Ruth M. Sofield , Ming-Ho Yu ; Introduction to Environmental Toxicology: Molecular Substructures to Ecological Landscapes, Cambridge University Press, Fourth Edition, 2011. ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1439804100
Mikko Nikinmaa ; An Introduction to Aquatic Toxicology, Academic Press, 2014. ISBN: ISBN-10: 0124115748

Teaching methods and learning activities

Exhibition, demonstration, discussion of problems and experimental.

keywords

Health sciences > Pharmacological sciences > Toicology
Natural sciences > Environmental science > Ecology > Ecotoxicology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	60,00
Participação presencial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	85,00
Frequência das aulas	50,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

Presence to three quarters of classes taught and realization of special works.

Calculation formula of final grade

The evaluation will be conducted during class (40%) and a final exam (60%). The evaluation will be conducted during class (40%) and a mandatory final exam (60%). In both components students must achieve a minimum of 10/20 values.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Presentation of a seminar on environmental pollutants that most affect the aquatic environment (group work). Preparation / presentation of a research project on the topics discussed in the seminars.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Student workers (TE), association leaders (DA) and other students with special status will be evaluated similarly to regular students. However, in cases where the law exempts failure by faults in the classes that will be evaluated (the DC component) are those in which the student will attend.

Classification improvement

The grade improvement will only be possible for the component assessed in the final exam.