From Low Tier to Individual Effects of Emerging Pollutants: Integrative Approaches on Ecotoxicological Assessments

Dear Colleagues,

The way in which toxicological assessments are currently performed (mainly focusing on apical endpoints, such as survival) is becoming considered inefficient and is overdue for change. The first response barriers to anthropogenic stress are triggered at the sub-cellular level and are far more likely to occur and have severe consequences for an organism´s fitness and on the ecosystem. Used in an integrated approach through different biological levels, subcellular endpoints can actively support a more realistic and meaningful assessment of the impacts of pollutants. This assessment can result in highly specific and integrative markers that can be used as fast and early detection tools in pursuing both effects and modes of toxic action of these chemicals. To a certain extent they can also be used for the development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOP). 

This Special Issue will explore the role of an integrative evaluation of effects in non-target organisms, with a particular focus on emerging pollutants. Submissions of original research articles, case studies and up-to-date review papers on integrative ecotoxicological approaches combining individual level endpoints (e.g., survival, growth and behaviour) with biochemical (e.g., oxidative stress and damage) and/or molecular (e.g., gene expression and protein abundance) endpoints are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Tiago Simões
Dr. Hugo Ricardo Monteiro
Dr. Nuno Ferreira
Guest Editors

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