The Molecular Ecotoxicology group focuses on understanding how synthetic organic chemicals, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals derived from human activities, impact aquatic organisms. These impacts range from altering molecules and their pathways (e.g., proteins and genes) to ecological changes in the structure and functioning of community assemblies.

We utilise DNA and RNA-based methods (e.g., metabarcoding, metagenomics, transcriptomics) to decipher the role of chemical pollution in shaping aquatic biodiversity. We are particularly interested in defining biodiversity profiles using eDNA and eRNA and linking their changes to the stress caused by pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Our hypotheses cover distinct levels of biological organization and groups of organisms, from microbes (e.g., bacteria, fungi, and micro-eukaryotes) to fish, also encompassing micro-algae and macroinvertebrates. Our approach combines field observations and controlled experiments, aiming to test theoretical scenarios using microcosm, mesocosm, and field experiments. Our ultimate goal is to apply this knowledge to advance current risk assessment frameworks.