Aquatic Toxicology

Code:

RM31

Acronym:

TA

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Marine Biology and Ecology

Instance: 2025/2026 - 2S (of 16-02-2026 to 31-07-2026)

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	4	Oficial Plan 2018	1	-	5	50	135

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

In recent decades, Aquatic Toxicology has developed remarkably, driven by the growing global scarcity of drinking water and the decline of marine resources — both critical factors for the sustainability of life on our planet. In this context, the main objectives of this course unit (CU) are to provide knowledge and develop skills in a multidisciplinary field that integrates toxicology with aquatic biology, ecology, and chemistry.

To this end, the course will examine the effects of anthropogenic compounds, as well as natural substances and other materials capable of altering biological processes in aquatic organisms. The approach will cover multiple levels of biological organization, including cells, individual organisms, communities, and ecosystems.

The main environments under study will be marine, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems. In this scope, not only water quality will be assessed, but also related matrices such as sediments and suspended materials.

Throughout the CU, special emphasis will be placed on conducting and applying standardized toxicity tests — acute, subacute, and chronic — which allow the assessment of endpoints such as survival, growth, and reproduction in selected aquatic species, chosen for their ecological relevance and sensitivity. The use of bioindicators and biomarkers will also be addressed as key tools for investigating aquatic toxicity.

Finally, the course will provide the foundational tools for conducting ecological risk assessments in polluted aquatic environments.

Learning outcomes and competences

Students are expected to acquire solid competencies in the field of Aquatic Toxicology, enabling them to contribute to the assessment of environmental risk situations, propose effective prevention strategies, and identify the most appropriate analytical methods for diagnosing the degree of pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Introduction to Toxicology

• Fundamental toxicological concepts.


• Historical evolution with a focus on Aquatic Toxicology.

2. Types of Toxicants and Response Mechanisms

• Nature of toxic agents: natural vs. anthropogenic.


• Mechanisms of action and biological response pathways in organisms.

3. Exposure, Toxicokinetics, and Toxicodynamics in Aquatic Environments

• Phases of toxicant exposure.


• Processes of absorption, distribution, biotransformation, and excretion.


• Dose–response relationships and modes of action.

4. Assessment of Toxic Responses

• Classical endpoints: survival, growth, and reproduction.


• Sublethal effects and their ecological significance.

5. Levels of Biological Organization

• Effects observed at the molecular, biochemical, cellular, organism, population, community, and ecosystem levels.

6. Metabolism and Effects of Key Environmental Pollutants

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).


• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).


• Pesticides, metals, dioxins, and dibenzofurans.


• Natural and synthetic estrogens, and pharmaceutical products.

7. Analytical Methods

• Introduction to key field and laboratory techniques for pollutant detection and assessment.

8. Bioindicators and Biomarkers

• Selection, development, and application for environmental monitoring in aquatic systems.

9. Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification

• Concepts and calculation of bioaccumulation and biomagnification factors.


• Ecological implications of trophic transfer of contaminants.

10. Ecological Risk Assessment

• Principles and steps of risk assessment.


• Tools to support decision-making in contaminated aquatic environments.

Mandatory literature

Mohd. Salim Reshi, Darakhshan Javaid, Syed Sanober Qadri, Neelu Sinha; Environmental Toxicology: Concepts and Principles, 2025. ISBN: 978-1003637073
Demir, Esref & Kacew, Sam; Environmental Toxicology and Human Health, MDPI, 2024. ISBN: 978-3-0365-9983-0

Complementary Bibliography

Newman, Michael C.; Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology: The Science of Pollution, CRC Press, 2021. ISBN: 978-0367644529

Teaching methods and learning activities

This course unit adopts a constructivist approach, placing the student at the center of the learning process. Teaching is designed to promote intellectual autonomy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Students are encouraged to formulate questions, develop hypotheses, engage in evidence-based reasoning, and draw their own conclusions through the analysis and interpretation of presented information. Both theoretical and practical challenges will be introduced during classes to stimulate active participation, peer collaboration, and the integration of prior knowledge with new content.

This method aims not only at knowledge acquisition but also at the development of scientific and communication competencies, preparing students to tackle real-world situations in research, environmental management, or aquatic biodiversity conservation.

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, association leaders 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.