Developing biomarkers to characterise the impact of emerging environmental pollutants in freshwater Chironomids (Insecta, Diptera)
Lead Research Organisation:
NERC CEH (Up to 30.11.2019)
Department Name: Acreman
Abstract
The project will bring together Brazilian and UK expertise in ecotoxicology. The focus of the workplan is on characterising physiological and biomarker responses of temperate and tropical chironomid species to emerging chemical/particulate pollutants. The partnership has been formed between groups with a common interest in understanding the mechanisms of action and links to higher organisation level effects of chemicals using physiological and molecular tools. This innovations are developed with a view to improving the risk assessment and monitoring of emerging chemical pollutants in freshwater ecosystems, Initial exchanges have identified common research themes in developing stress response assays for invertebrate species. Initial contact by email and extended discussion has resulted in the development of a workplan focussed on this theme.
Planned Impact
Not required for this scheme.
Publications
Horton AA
(2018)
Acute toxicity of organic pesticides to Daphnia magna is unchanged by co-exposure to polystyrene microplastics.
in Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
Horton AA
(2020)
Accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and microbiome response in the great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis with exposure to nylon (polyamide) microplastics.
in Ecotoxicology and environmental safety
| Description | Microplastics affect gut microbiome but not PDBE uptake in aquatic invertebrates. |
| Exploitation Route | Further work on microplastic effects on microbiomes. |
| Sectors | Chemicals,Environment |
| Description | Environment Agency Microplastics workshop (25/11/16) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The aim of the workshop is to raise awareness amongst researchers and regulators of the existing/planned research being undertaken in the freshwater environment in the UK in order to gain an understanding of the evidence gaps and research priorities. Opportunity to connect and interact with people and companies interested in the issue of microplastics, from a range of different areas. Potential for identification of collaborations/ funding opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| Description | Lahive, E, Horton, A. A., Palacio, A., Pereira, M. G., Disner, R. G., Navarro-Silva, M. A., Grassi, M. T. and Spurgeon, D. J. Ingestion of microplastics and PBDE by the freshwater invertebrates Chironomus sancticaroli and Lymnaea stagnalis and impacts on the gut microbiome. |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Platform presentations at SETAC/iEOS Joint Focussed Topic Meeting, Ghent, Belgium, 12-15 Sept 2016 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Lahive, E., Horton, A. A., Palacio, A., Newbold, L. Moeckel, C., Pereira, M. G., Grassi, M. T. and Spurgeon, D. J. Ingestion of microplastics by the freshwater invertebrate Chironomus sancticaroli: effects on PBDE bioaccumulation and the microbiome |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Platform presentations SETAC North America 37th Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida, 6-10 Nov 2016. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Microplastics in wastewater workshop |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This workshopwas was attended by CEH researcher Alice Horton. The meeting aimed to deliver a 'product' ao that the water companies' periodic review (PR19) planning can encompass studies on microplastics. Opportunity to connect and interact with people and companies interested in the issue of microplastics, from a range of different areas. Potential for identification of collaborations/ funding opportunities. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Thames21 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Third sector organisations |
| Results and Impact | Meeting to connect and interact with people and companies interested in the issue of microplastics from a very wide range of different standpoints and areas of interest. Potential collaborators/funders. Attendees include: academic researchers, charities (Thames21, Marine Conservation Society, Keep Britain Tidy, National Trust etc.), government (DEFRA), commercial (British Plastics Federation, water companies, environmental consultancies), additional (Port of London Authority) |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
| URL | http://www.thames21.org.uk/ |