Ecotoxicology in aquatic systems and aquaculture

Code: BIO14647M

6 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/162 hours

Scientific Area: Biological Sciences

Teaching languages: Portuguese

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese

Presentation

Identification and effect of environmental contaminants on species produced in aquaculture. Ecotoxicological evaluation of the presence of contaminants in aquaculture systems. Impacts of climate change on aquaculture.

Sustainable Development Goals

2. Erradicar a fome - Acabar com a fome, alcançar a segurança alimentar e melhoria da nutrição e promover a agricultura sustentável.

4. Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

8. Trabalho digno e crescimento económico - Promover o crescimento económico sustentado, inclusivo e sustentável, emprego pleno e produtivo, e trabalho decente para todos.

12. Produção e consumo sustentáveis - Assegurar padrões de produção e de consumo sustentáveis.

14. Proteger a vida marinha - Conservação e uso sustentável dos oceanos, dos mares, e dos recursos marinhos para o desenvolvimento sustentável.

Learning Goals

The effect of contaminants on aquaculture organisms and the impact that aquaculture has on ecosystems has been the subject of growing interest. This CU intends to address the contaminants that are relevant in the aquaculture context and the basic principles of ecotoxicology, in order to provide students, the skills required to work for this emerging field. At the end of the CU the student will be able to:
Apply the basic concepts of ecotoxicology to aquatic environments.
Identify the main environmental contaminants and their direct and indirect effects on organisms, ecosystems and public health.
Describe methods for biomonitoring aquaculture products.
Acquire an integrated view of the different exposure pathways and propose mitigation measures.
Understand the impact of climate change on aquaculture.
Propose measures to achieve the zero pollution goal in aquaculture.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills, discussion, argumentation and moderation.

1. Introduction to ecotoxicology.
2. Basic concepts in ecotoxicology: Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification. Biomarkers. Dose-response curves.
3. Toxicity tests: in silico, in vitro and in vivo models; acute, chronic, transgenerational tests.
4. Environmental contaminants in aquatic ecosystems: Metals. POPs Biocides. Drugs. Microplastics. Endocrine disruptors.
5. Aquaculture as a source of contaminants. Microbial resistance.
6. Routes of exposure: Water and sediment, Diet (feed) and Medicines (hormones and antibiotics).
7. Biomonitoring: matrices, analytical techniques, quality control.
8. Effects of environmental contaminants. Imposex in gastropods and intersex in fish.
9. Impact of environmental contaminants found in aquaculture products on public health.
10. Fish consumption recommendations for vulnerable populations: e.g. pregnant women.
11. Impact of climate change on aquaculture.
12. New trends in aquaculture.

Teaching Methods

The theoretical concepts will be addressed at first by the teacher in theoretical classes (in person or remote) using audiovisual materials that will always be complemented with TP classes with the discussion of case studies. The CU includes a practical component in which toxicity tests will be carried out, applying the acquired theoretical knowledge to real situations. To promote multidisciplinary knowledge and foster the creation of international networks, for each topic (Ecotoxicology; Classes of contaminants; Effects on the ecosystem/public health; Emerging topics) 4 seminars will be taught by renowned experts.

Assessment

The assessment of the CU consists of a theoretical test (40%) and the presentation of a work on a topic to be selected by the student, carried out in groups (2-3 elements) (50%). To encourage critical thinking, the ability to raise and moderate the discussion about the work presented will have a weight of 10%.