Bioindication and Biomonitoring of the Aquatic Environment

Abstract

This course content examines bioindication and biomonitoring as essential approaches for assessing the ecological quality of aquatic environments. It focuses on the biological responses of aquatic organisms to environmental stressors, particularly pollutants of anthropogenic origin. The document introduces key concepts such as bioindicators, biointegrators, bioaccumulators, and biomarkers, and explains their role in detecting, evaluating, and predicting ecosystem disturbances. It also addresses the effects of pollutants on populations, including toxicity assessment, interspecific interactions, tolerance, and resistance. Particular attention is given to pollutant monitoring in aquatic biotopes, the use of parasites as indicators of ecosystem quality, bioassays, physiological and biochemical biomarkers, and the prediction of bioaccumulation in trophic networks. The content further discusses xenobiotics and endocrine disruptors, especially their effects on reproductive and hepatic systems. Overall, the course provides a scientific framework for understanding how aquatic ecosystems respond to contamination and how biological tools can support environmental risk assessment and ecosystem management