THE ROLE OF BIOMARKERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT .2. INVERTEBRATES

The potential use of biomarkers in ecological risk assessment is explo red. The biomarker concept, initially developed to form a basis for st udies at the individual/population level, is extended to include commu nity and ecosystem level studies. A strategy is outlined in which biom arkers might be used to assess chemical exposure and the cumulative, a dverse effects of toxicants on biota in situ. Protocols for identifyin g communities, species and populations most at risk are described. The role of biomarkers in the evaluation of the effectiveness of remedial action to alleviate pollution is discussed. It is proposed that, in a ddition to biomarker measurements on samples obtained from organisms a t field sites, biomarker screening tests should be initiated in the la boratory with a range of new chemicals and organisms relevant to the f ield sites thought to be at risk. This will help to establish links be tween laboratory-based testing and adverse effects in situ.