The main aim of EDEC group is to improve environmental risk assessment of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and emerging pollutants (EPs) in aquatic ecosystems, developing new methodologies to assess their effects. Addressing the impact of deep-sea mining and accidental marine spills are also current research aims. The group uses a multi-parametric approach that combines molecular biology, modeling and bioinformatics, ecological modeling, biochemical tools, and population relevant endpoints such as embryonic development bioassays, full life-cycle and multi and transgenerational assays. We aim to understand the mechanisms of toxicity of EDCs and EPs, single and in mixtures, and their impact in the aquatic ecosystems. We are particularly interested in understanding the transgenerational effects of EDCs and EPs and the underlying chemical’s mode of action (MOA). We use ecological modeling to project the ecological costs associated with chemical exposure. Linking adverse-effects endpoints of EDCs and EPs with the chemical’s mode of action (MOA) is transversal to all themes of the EDEC group. Our approach takes into consideration an evolutionary perspective thus focusing on the impact of EDCs and EPs across different phyla. Since the endocrinology and the genomic constitution of most invertebrates are poorly characterized, a parallel aim is to improve the understanding of invertebrate’s endocrinology and signaling pathways and link it with the impact of EDCs in key biological process. The group combines both field and laboratory studies
EDEC Co-PI: Raquel Ruivo
