Nondestructive biomarkers in ecotoxicology

Environ Health Perspect. 1994 Dec;102 Suppl 12(Suppl 12):49-54. doi: 10.1289/ehp.94102s1249.

Abstract

The aim of this article is to attempt a concise review of the state of the art of the nondestructive biomarkers approach in vertebrates, establishing a consensus on the most useful and sensitive nondestructive biomarker techniques, and proposing research priorities for the development and validation of this promising methodology. The following topics are discussed: the advantages of the use of nondestructive strategies in biomonitoring programs and the research fields in which nondestructive biomarkers can be applied; the biological materials suitable for nondestructive biomarkers and residue analysis in vertebrates; which biomarkers lend themselves to noninvasive techniques; and the validation and implementation strategy of the nondestructive biomarker approach. Examples of applications of this methodology in the hazard assessment of endangered species are also presented.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Animals, Wild
  • Biomarkers / analysis*
  • Cetacea
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Health
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Reptiles

Substances

  • Biomarkers