| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Effect Based Monitoring for Pharmaceutical Pollution in Ireland |
| EPA Project Code | 2018-W-MS-36 |
| Lead Organisation | Dublin City University (DCU) |
| Coordinator | Fiona Regan |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 29/03/2019 End (if applicable): 28/03/2022 Revised End Date (if applicable): 28/05/2022 |
| EPA Project Type | Medium Scale Project |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Project Based Awards |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 349932.30 |
| Project Abstract/Description | EMPIRE will pilot effect based monitoring for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments, utilising bioassays validated by chemical methods, led by a multidisciplinary team of investigators mentoring two research students and a postdoctoral researcher. In vivo and in vitro bioassays for monitoring of cellular/subcellular responses will be assessed for applicability and challenged with complex cocktail low dose mixtures of pharmaceuticals of interest in the Irish context; a life cycle analysis of pharmaceuticals in Ireland will inform the research. Transcriptomic and bioinformatics analysis of gene expression in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceutical exosome will elucidate novel pathways to exposure which will be used to develop further the body of knowledge in this area, supplemented by analysis of tissue pharmaceutical concentrations. Combined bioassay and chemical methods of effect based monitoring will be applied in a two tiered SIMONI strategy for monitoring of targeted surface water catchments in Ireland. The outputs of the research will be: a pharmaceutical lifecycle assessment and data on occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Irish surface waters; the validation of bioassays for biological and community effects of pharmaceuticals; identification of novel gene pathways in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceuticals; and the pilot study of EBM for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments. The broad, primary outputs of the research will be: a pharmaceutical lifecycle assessment and data on occurrence of pharmaceuticals in Irish surface waters; the validation of bioassays for biological and community effects of pharmaceuticals; identification of novel gene pathways in invertebrates exposed to pharmaceuticals; and the pilot study of EBM for pharmaceuticals in Irish surface water catchments. A number of reports are identified at key points within the work packages which will be used to inform policy. Other outputs will include: two MSc graduates, at least 3 presentations given at scientific conferences, at least 3 manuscripts in peer reviewed international journals, at least 2 infographics related to the research, a public information campaign comprising website, Twitter, online, print and radio coverage, leaflets and posters. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | LisaJohnson |