Assessing effects to aquatic organisms of contaminants exposure across levels of biological organization, in the frame of the WFD 2000/60/EC

Aquatic ecosystems are the final sink for most of xenobiotic introduced in the environment, especially persistent organic pollutants. Most of the freshwater and coastal organisms are exposed simultaneously to different classes of chemicals, and their physiology may be affected by toxic chemical even at low environmental concentrations with a cascade event on population dynamics. Identifying ecotoxicological effects requires descriptors that are sensitive to changes in exposure and thus can indicate information at different levels of biological organisation (i.e. communities, subindividual level). The present work aims to investigate biochemical biomarkers and bioindicators in aquatic invertebrates able to detect biological effects and predict risk of toxicity, with a special focus paid to the requirements of current EU regulation. Therefore, the present work faced on different kinds of approach identified to be efficient tools within the context of the WFD requirements (Water Frame Directive, 2000/60/EC), for investigative and operational monitoring. Work include the SPEAR approach as trait based indicator descriptor of freshwater aquatic macroinvertebrates communities, able to diagnose pesticide contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Further diagnostic approaches in environmental status are included, as assay representing biological responses for different enzymes involved in the aerobic (CCO) and antioxidant responses, (SOD, and CAT), behavioural endpoints, and genotoxicity biomarker associated with micronuclei frequency in bivalve species (Ruditapes philipphinarum and Mya arenaria).