Course detail

Ecotoxicology

FCH-MCO_EKTAcad. year: 2018/2019

Ecotoxicology - characterisation of the branch; definition of ecotoxicological biotests, their types according to the following criteria: exposure time, level of design of testing system, trophic level of testing systems, matrix tested, type of tested sample, method of evaluation; the importace and purpose of toxicity tests with various substances and preparations. Legislation dealing with ecotoxicological issues in the Czech Republic. Ecotoxicity - methods of determination. Waste ecotoxicity, classes of leaching status, LC (EC,IC) 50, testing scheme; limit, preliminary, basic, introductory, control tests; animals used for ecotoxicological tests. Evaluation of toxicity of substances and wastes for various organisms including the terrestric ones. Tests performed on higher plants and fungi - phytotoxicity tests.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

3

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Acquisition of knowledge necessary for the application of ecotoxicological biotests for evaluation of environment contamination.
1. Student will acquire knowledge of all types of tests that are recommended by the national legislation and EU
2. Student gain theoretical and practical experience related to the application of tests in the Aquatic Environment
3. Student gain theoretical and practical experience related to the application of tests in the terrestrial environment
4. Students will learn to apply contact tests, including tests on earthworms
5. Student assessment procedures can handle tests, including interpretation of their results. Also learn to use appropriate statistical methods.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of courses Chemistry of environment.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course uses teaching methods in form of Lecture - 2 teaching hours per week. The e-learning system (LMS Moodle) is available to teachers and students.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

The oral test, which will be examined knowledge-based lectures and recommended study materials.
Students have before lectures available e-learning materials and may forward acquainted with the present theme.
Prior to the test circuits funding will be given, which will involve an oral exam.

Course curriculum

Block 1
1. Importance and use of toxicity tests, definitions and acronyms
2. Characterization tests of 1, 2, and third generation
3. Methodology of acute toxicity tests.
Block 2
1. Methodology of chronic toxicity tests
2. Characteristics of phytotoxicity tests
3. Test of inhibition of root growth Sinapis alba; contact tests using plant
lock 3
1. Recommended for breeding test organisms; alternative toxicity tests
2. Recommended tests for aquatic ecosystems
3. Test of inhibition of the growth of freshwater algae
4. Acute immobilization test on daphnia and fish acute test
Block 4
1. Growth inhibition test duckweed Lemna minor
2. Assessment of direct toxicity of waste water to duckweed Lemna minor
Block 5
1. Bacterial bioluminescence toxicity test
2. Contact tests applied to the terrestrial ecosystem. Tests for bees and birds.
3. Ecotoxicological assessment of populations and communities

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Acquisition of basic knowledge on the application of ecotoxicology for evaluation of water and terrestrial ecosystems load.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Control will be carried out through term papers

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

Shaw I.C., Chadwick J.: Principles of environmental toxicology (CS)
Horák J. a kol.: Úvod do toxikologie a ekologie pro chemiky (CS)

Recommended reading

Hoffman et al.: Handbook of Ecotoxicology (CS)

Classification of course in study plans

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

26 hours, optionally

Teacher / Lecturer