Aquatic Toxicology

Code:

RM31

Acronym:

TA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Marine Biology and Ecology

Instance: 2024/2025 - 2S (of 17-02-2025 to 18-07-2025)

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	0	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

Several; Fundamentals Of Aquatic Toxicology: Effects, Environmental Fate And Risk Assessment, CRC Press, 2020. ISBN: 978-1560320906
Bollu Manaswhitha, D. Rajeswari, SACHI DEVI (Author); Aquatic Toxicology: Understanding the Impact of Chemicals on Aquatic Ecosystems, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2024. ISBN: 978-6207477166

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

Type of Assessment: Distributed assessment with Final Exam.

Evaluation formula:

Final classification = Final theoretical exam grade (60%) + Average classification obtained in practical work (40%).

To obtain approval for the curricular unit, the minimum classification to be obtained in the components that constitute the final classification must be equal to or greater than 9.5 out of 20.

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 students from failure due to absence from classes, they will be assessed by a final theoretical/practical exam on the content taught in classes in this UC, in which they will have to obtain a minimum grade of 9.5. in 20.

 
Final classification = Final theoretical exam grade (100%)

Classification improvement

The improvement of the classification will be obtained in the Final Exam, in accordance with the formula.

Final grade = Final theoretical exam grade (60%) + Continuous assessment grade (40%).

The minimum grade for each component is 9.5 in 20.