REP-LECOTOX: an example of FP 6 INCO project to strengthen ecotoxicological research in WBC (Western Balkan countries)

LECOTOX - Laboratory for Ecotoxicology at the Department of Biology and Ecology at University of Novi Sad Faculty of Sciences was formally established in 2006 as the result of intention to overcome the former fragmentation of the groups focusing on (eco) toxicological research since the mid 1990s. Relying on years of high-quality research in the field of animal physiology, specifically in reproductive endocrinology e.g. [1-9], the activities of LECOTOX researchers were (and still are) focused on toxic impact of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on biota with special emphasis on specific sublethal types of toxicity - endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, and "dioxin-like" toxicity [10-16]. Bio analyses based on molecular and cellular biomarkers of effects, such as cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme induction and parameters and markers of oxidative stress and early intoxication have been applied in assessment of freshwater ecosystems e.g. [17]. In close co-operation with the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Environmental Protection, the Laboratory of Ecotoxicology applies aquatic toxicity tests for effluent and ambient water quality assessment and environmental impact assessment for remediation activities on contaminated sediments and soilse.g. [18-20]. A big step forward related to ecotoxicological research was reflected in participation in the APOPSBAL project (Assessment of the selected POPs (PCBs, PCDD/Fs, POCPs) in the Atmosphere and Water Ecosystems from Waste Materials Generated by Warfare in the Area of Former Yugoslavia, FP5-ICA2-CT-2002-10007, 2002 - 2005). The combination of chemical and biological tools (micro-EROD analysis in the first place) was used to estimate the toxicity of sediment samples from three rivers located at Kragujevac hotspot (Serbia) [21], soil and sediment samples from the area of Zadar, Croatia [22], and soil from oil refineries and petrochemical plant in Vojvodina (Serbia) after the NATO campaign spills [23,24].FP 6 INCO