Natural and Human-Induced Pressures on Biodiversity: Impacts and Assessment
Abstract
Recent decades have seen increasing awareness of the detrimental impacts of both natural and human-derived stressors on global biodiversity. Contemporary societies utilize a broad range of chemicals, leading to the release of numerous toxic substances into the environment. The impact of these chemicals is often amplified by natural stressors such as environmental hypoxia, eutrophication, floods, and droughts, among others. Many of these chemicals lack regulation and are classified as Chemicals of Emerging Concern (CECs).
This research theme will explore the major drivers altering aquatic biodiversity, including agricultural runoff, wastewater effluent, and climate change-induced events such as floods and droughts. These events can drastically alter water quality, flow regimes, and habitat availability, potentially exacerbating the effects of chemical contaminants. The research will emphasize the development and application of novel assessment tools, including bioanalytical techniques and ecological modeling, to improve environmental risk assessment strategies and safeguard biodiversity.
By elucidating the complex interactions between CECs, natural stressors, and aquatic organisms, this research aims to contribute to more effective monitoring programs and inform the development of mitigation strategies to reduce the ecological risks posed by these emerging contaminants in a changing climate.
Key words: Biodiversity
EXPECTATIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Participants in this research theme will help deepen our understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic stressors on biodiversity, with a focus on the aquatic environment. They will identify the specific impacts on various levels of the aquatic food web, from microorganisms to animals. This research will provide valuable insights into the mechanisms through which chemical pollution disrupts ecosystems and affects aquatic life.
By sharing past and current research experiences, an active discussion is expected around the methodologies used and/or needed to assess, comprehensively and systematically, the effects of anthropogenic pressure on biodiversity. Furthermore, participants will collaborate in developing strategies for environmental risk assessment. Their research findings will inform policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at controlling and reducing chemical pollution, thereby safeguarding aquatic biodiversity and water quality.
Gerdhard Jessen, Universidad de Concepción
I am fascinated by the interactions between biotic and abiotic factors, which in turn impact ecological processes. My research takes an interdisciplinary approach to studying microbial communities inhabiting a wide range of environments, from moderate to extreme, both naturally and anthropogenically impacted. Using genomic tools to uncover the intricate genetic and physiological relationships between microorganisms and their environment, I combine high-resolution geochemistry and growth experiments with metabolic reconstructions of genomes to visualize interactions within complex communities.
Pedro Inostroza, University of Gothenburg
My research focuses on gaining a molecular-level understanding of the effects of complex organic chemical mixtures on aquatic organisms. To achieve this, I use advanced environmental analytical techniques to identify and characterize chemicals present in aquatic systems, while employing predictive modeling to assess the pollution pressure exerted by organic chemicals such as pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Additionally, I utilize DNA/RNA-based tools, including environmental DNA/RNA, metabarcoding, genomics, and transcriptomics, to investigate how aquatic organisms—such as microbial communities, macroinvertebrates, and fish—respond to chemical contamination in stressed aquatic environments. A key aspect of my research is linking functional chemical features, such as the mode of action, to molecular fingerprints from exposed organisms, a field known as ecotoxicogenomics.
Through this approach, my research aims to provide new insights into the impact of chemical pollution on aquatic ecosystems and facilitate the development of more effective management strategies.
CONTACT US:
Gerdhard: gerdhard.jessen@uach.cl
Pedro: pedro.inostroza@gu.se