Spatial distribution of chemicals in aquatic organisms

Key parameters for adverse effects of chemicals to organisms are uptake by and distribution within the organism leading to the “internal exposure” as pivotal factor for biological effects of chemicals and therefore crucial component of the exposome. In order to understand and predict effects of chemicals on organisms, toxicokinetic/toxicodynamic (TKTD) models are required. However, development of these models relies on internal concentration data. A major problem for these internal concentration data is the lack of spatial information. With a focus on the zebrafish embryo (ZFE) – the project aims at improving the mechanistic understanding on uptake of chemicals, resolve toxicokinetics on a spatio-temporal level and establish a link to biological effects. The objectives of this project are: