Molecular Toxicology of the Sea (2401)

Izv.prof.dr.sc. Maja Fafanđel

IRB - Centre for Marine Research, Rovinj

Understand the natural and anthropogenic impact on the sea and life in the sea and discuss the correlation between physical, chemical and molecular biological processes in the emergence, diagnosis and prognosis of the effects of toxins and genotoxins.

The entrance and fate of toxins and genotoxins into the sea. The effect of toxins and genotoxins on marine organisms with special emphasis on the effects at the level of macromolecules. Biomarkers and bioindicators. Methodology for determining the presence of toxins and genotoxins in the water column and sediment, and monitoring changes at the level of macromolecules (proteins and DNA) in marine organisms. Interpretation and statistical processing of results. Assessment of the vulnerability of the area and the risk of exposure of organisms at the level of the individual and the population for the purpose of forecasting the consequences on biological resources, ecosystem and human health. Integrating and implementing scientifically based knowledge into environmental policy through waste management, "cleaner" production and pollution control, for the purpose of sustainable development.

1. Examine the effect of toxins and genotoxins on life in the sea using scientific and analytical knowledge.
2. Plan systemic control and protection of the sea by monitoring the effect of toxins and genotoxins.
3. Assess the application of molecular biology in the protection and exploitation of marine resources.
4. Apply modern instrumental and analytical methodologies for collecting and analyzing data with mathematical and IT support.
5. Design a project with a view to protecting and exploiting marine resources with particular reference to the self-assessment of one's own ability and the role of independent work in toxicology laboratories or in research institutions in environmental and industry advisory activities in particular mariculture.

Regular attendance, preparation and presentation of seminar work, attendance of oral and/or written exams

1. Handbook of Ecotoxicology, your. Hoffman DJ, Rattner BA, Burton GA Jr., Cairns J Jr., 1995, Lewis Publ., Boca Raton, Ann Arbor, London, Tokyo
2. Mutation Research – Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis: Use of Aquatic Invertebrates in Genotoxicological Studies. 399, 1-2 (1998)
3. Mutation Research – Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis: Genotoxicological Studies in Aquatic Organisms. 552, 1-2 (2004)
4. Bihari, N., Batel, R.: Assessment of the genotoxic risk to which organisms in the sea are exposed. Nature 857 (1998) 30-31.
5. Bihari, N., Hamer, B., Jakšić, Ž., Fafanđel, M., Mičić, M., Batel, R., Application of alkaline elution, Fast Micromethod and flow cytometry in detection of marine contamination. The cell. Breakwater. Biol. 48, 4 (2002) 373-377.
6. Bihari, N., Mićić, M., Batel, R., Zahn, R.K., Flow cytometric detection of DNA cell cycle alterations in hemocytes of mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis off the Adriatic coast, Croatia. Aquatic Toxicol. 64 (2003) 121-129
7. Bihari, N., Mičić, M., Fafanđel, M., Seawater quality along the Adriatic coast, Croatia based on toxicity data. Environ. Toxicol. 19 (2004) 109-114

Considering the interdisciplinary issues and the relatively new molecular biological approach to investigating the presence of the influence of toxins and genotoxins in the sea, students will be referred to primary publications and revue papers available to the academia of Croatia.

Discussion with students and colleagues, evaluation of performance by the joint expert committee of the Institute "Ruđer Bošković", the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Osijek