The Laboratory of Ecotoxicology studies poikilothermic animals, such as fish, frogs, and toads, along with their endohelminths (cestodes, acanthocephalans, and nematodes), to evaluate environmental pollution levels. These organisms are used to assess organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and inorganic contaminants like heavy metals.
The laboratory operates in environments with varying pollution intensities to assess the anthropogenic impact on ecosystems. The primary goal is to develop alternative bioindication methods to quantify the burden of organic and inorganic contaminants.
Research also examines the combined effects of pollutant toxicity and parasitic infections on host organisms by evaluating organ-level health metrics, such as organ indexes and condition factors. This integrated approach provides insights into host-parasite interactions, pollution impacts, and potential indicators of ecological health.