Exposure to, and risks from synthetic chemicals in terrestrial and freshwater biota: drivers and consequences of landscape scale variation

The project aims to develop a deeper understanding of the temporal and spatial variation in ecosystem exposure to synthetic pollutants, at a landscape scale, and potential implications for affected systems. Existing data (target and non-target screening data) held by the supervisory partnership will be analysed to identify differences in chemical mixtures between contiguous terrestrial and freshwater systems, and between trophic levels. Spatial and temporal variation will be explored as part of an evaluation of the efficacy of recent/current regulatory practices. Working with our stakeholder partners and wide collaborative network (e.g. EA, NRW) these outputs will be used to guide selection of specific chemicals for further, targeted, analyses (e.g. plant protection products are one of the projected focal areas). For these targets, predictive models will be developed, and predictions compared with screening data. This is an exciting and applied project, led by an experienced supervisory team (Cardiff University, UKCEH, Syngenta, HSE CRD) with expertise in freshwater ecology, ecotoxicological analysis, and statistical modelling. It brings together a cross-disciplinary (and international) network of collaborators, across academia, industry and the regulatory authority, as well as access to extensive sample and data archives.