History

The research group “Ecotoxicology and Environmental Pollution (ECoA)” was created in 2011 (OCA 750/11), although since 1995 some members belonged to LICAS Group, led by Dr. Víctor J. Moreno and Julia E. Aizpún. The ECoA group has been focused to the study of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), such as organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and PBDEs in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, including watersheds with different land uses and their impact on the marine environment. In recent years has been included the study of current use pesticides (CUPs), such as glyphosate, pyrethroids, fipronil, chlorpyrifos, imidacloprid, trifluralin among others. Moreover other research branch includes the monitoring of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical and personal care products (PCPP). The studies include different matrices: soils, invertebrates, fish, edible vegetables, tree species, macrophytes, epiphytes, sediments, surface water, groundwater and rainwater. Phytoremediation studies are focused on edible and trees species as well as the use of organic amendments. The monitoring of air pollution includes the use of natural samplers (pine needles, epiphytes) and artificial samplers (passive and active samplers). In addition, research is conducted to determine the effects of organic pollutants on organisms through the analysis of specific and non-specific biomarkers including biochemical, histological and lipid damage. Moreover a research branch studies the effects of organic contaminants on reproduction of cartilaginous fish populations from the marine coast areas. Currently the group consists of 6 researchers and 5 posdoctoral students.