PROGRAMME

Chemical dispersion and bioaccumulation in ecosystems can be assessed by biomonitoring studies using wildlife, which has been proven as an valuable tool. Samples from top predators such as marine mammals, raptors, and otters allow for investigation of bioaccumulative legacy pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). The integration of historical samples from ESBs, research collections, and natural history museums provides a better understanding of chemical trends in wildlife. The temporal data support the European Green Deal by reviewing the effectiveness of current and past chemical management and providing early warning signals for new potential problem chemicals. The presented research provides key findings from the LIFE APEX project (LIFE 17 ENV/SK/000355), which aimed to enhance the systematic use of contaminant data from apex predators and their prey in chemicals management. . The purpose of the research presented here was to identify contaminant time trends over the the period 1995-2017 in otter, bream, harbour seal and buzzard in Europe,. We used a comprehensive approach which included target and non-target screening for the identification and assessment of 2,545 chemicals. LIFE APEX project trend analysis findings highlighted the apex predators’ crucial importance of chemical monitoring. The project’s findings can contribute to a better chemical dispersion understanding, provide valuable information to evaluate the associated CEC risk, and support the design, development and implementation of more effective regulatory strategies in order to protect the environment, wildlife and human health, in an One Health approach. Acknowledgements This research has received funding from the European Union through the program LIFE17 ENV/SK/000355 “Systematic use of contaminant data from apex predators and their prey in chemicals management”. The LIFE APEX project (LIFE17 ENV/SK/000355) has received additional co-financing from the Green Fund, in order to support the implementation of the project’s actions.