Ecotoxicology: A practical introduction to environmental monitoring tools

The course gives knowledge of ongoing national and international monitoring programs, the guidelines and demands that are linked to the programs and the monitoring tools that are utilized in the programs.

Environmental monitoring involves chemical measurement of environmental pollutants in biota and abiotic compartments (water, sediment) as well as measurement of environmental pollutants bioavailability and bioactivity through implementation of biomarkers and bioassays that provides insight into the causality of any higher-level adverse effects that may be observed. Cod (Gadus morhua) and blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) are recommended species for monitoring faunal effects of anthropogenic activities. An experimental setup will be conducted to simulate an acute oil spill where cod and blue mussels are exposed to crude oil. Through this experiment the students will gain practical training in sampling procedures and up-to-date chemical and biological analysis utilized in environmental monitoring programs: Measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in sea water, blue mussel (body burden) and cod muscle; lysosomal membrane stability in blue mussel haemocytes; EROD activity in cod hepatocytes and PAH metabolites in cod bile. The results from the experiment are to be presented and discussed in a written laboratory report. The written report, together with an oral presentation of it, constitutes the foundation of the student evaluation from the course.