Monitoring water quality using effect-based tools and passive sampling

A suite of micropollutants enters water bodies where these chemicals pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems. For example, endocrine disruptors have been shown to affect reproduction of fish and agrochemicals affect invertebrate communities. The broad spectrum of possible pollutants and emission scenarios raises several questions. How do we prioritise chemicals for regulation? When and how do we sample for these compounds? How many chemicals can we measure? In this context, effect-based analysis methods, such as bioassays, and passive sampling have been applied as tools to bridge gaps and cover some of the above questions. In this talk, I will introduce effect-based analysis methods and passive sampling and discuss theirs strengths and weaknesses.