Exposure modelling and effect assessment of organic pollutants in predatory birds: Studying the interactions between exposure, climate variability and feeding ecology, using the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) as model species.

The main aim of the proposed research is to study exposure and effects of organic pollutants in predatory birds, using the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla; WTE) as a model species. The proposed research can be subdivided in several objectives. Firstly, I will study exposure through the development of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) bioaccumulation models. Since a high amount of species-specific information is required to develop such a model, I have chosen the WTE as a model species. This species has been monitored for years through international collaborations and I have access to databases providing sufficient information for the first objective (see methodology). The second objective aims to study the effects from the physiological up to the population level. The last objective deals with the study of exposure to organic pollutants in the light of varying climate and feeding conditions over time.

Keywords:BIRDS, ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

Disciplines:Animal biology, General biology, Veterinary medicine

Project type:Collaboration project