Publication Abstract

In vitro ecotoxicological assessment of pelagic ecosystems

K.V. Thomas, J. Balaam, K. Collins, M. R. Hurst, W. Reynolds and J.E. Thain

The ICES biological effects monitoring in pelagic ecosystems (BECPELAG) workshop is a multi-national, multi-disciplinary workshop aimed at establishing suitable techniques for monitoring the effects of contaminants on pelagic ecosystems. One of the many activities that have been performed concurrently is the extraction of water samples using semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) and large volume solid phase extraction (SPE) followed by in vitro testing and targeted chemical analysis of the concentrated extracts. The following in vitro assays were used: DR-CALUX, yeast oestrogen and androgen screen (YES & YAS), blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) embryo, Tisbe battagliai, and Skeletonema costatum. Data from the study are presented along with recommendations on procedures for the use of in vitro in the monitoring of the pelagic environment.

Reference:

K.V. Thomas, J. Balaam, K. Collins, M. R. Hurst, W. Reynolds and J.E. Thain, 2002. In vitro ecotoxicological assessment of pelagic ecosystems. ICES Copenhagen, CM2002/X:07, 9pp.