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Aquatic biology has a long history at the University of Plymouth and aquatic ecotoxicology was established at Plymouth long before ecotoxicology was recognised as a scientific discipline. Fish and invertebrate ecotoxicology is therefore well established at the University of Plymouth. This is a core activity of the research centre with internationally recognised expertise. The academic research focus is on understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of a wide range of substances and environmental stressors on aquatic organisms. This is underpinned by the application of a full suite of techniques from molecular biology to animal behaviour. Of course, the group has high expertise in aqueous exposure methods, but also some highly specialised knowledge on dietary exposures and food chain effects. Our ecotoxicology is founded on our extensive knowledge of the anatomy and ecophysiology of marine and freshwater organisms; an essential aspect to understanding target organs and modes of accumulation. Key areas of current research include:
Current research projects
- The effects of aqueous and dietary exposures to metals on fish
- The relationships between contaminant exposure and immunity in fish and bivalves
- Effects of pollutants on the early life stages of aquatic organisms
- Mixtures effects and complex exposure profiles
- Genotoxicity and the development of tolerance and resistance in organism from aquatic environments
- Horizon scanning - the ecotoxicity of novel chemicals and new materials
In addition, the group has long experience of environmental risk assessment, environmental monitoring and biomarker approaches. | 
