Bi2003 Ecotoxicology
Syllabus / Questions for final test
Introduction to Ecotoxicology - lecturer: Ludek Bláha
• CASE STUDIES AND EXAMPLES - examples of adverse effects at population and ecosystem
effects (e.g. DDT, avermectin antiparasitics, cyanobacterial blooms)
• ADVERSE OUTCOME PATHWAYS - from Bioavailability (definition) through Toxicity
mechanisms to Effects (organism-population-ecosystem) - concept and examples/case
studies (e.g. estrogens)
• DOSE-RESPONSE - Concentration-response relationships (principles, standard toxicity curve,
derivation of EC50, LOEC, NOEC)
• TYPES OF EFFECTS - (i) Modes of Action of chemicals at molecular level (key examples), (ii)
Effects of chemicals at cell level (key processes), (iii) Effects of chemicals at the organism
level (apical endpoints - mortality, reproduction + other chronic), (iv) Effects at population
and ecosystem levels (examples)
• ASSESSING EFFECTS - testing of chemicals and contaminated samples - principles (models,
batteries of assays from different trophic levels), effect assessment (laboratory bioassays micro/mesocosm
- field biomonitoring/bioindication)
• ECOTOXICITY APPLICATIONS - (i) RISK ASSESSMENT PRINCIPLES - Hazard vs Risk, key steps,
PEC, derivation of PNEC (using assessment factors), HI or Risk Quotient, EQS, (ii)
LEGISLATION - REACH example