The final destination, effects and management of the emerging pollutants and the threats they represent to river basins suffering from a lack of water

Most ecosystems are simultaneously exposed to a number of different stress factors. Some of these, such as water shortage, can limit the biodiversity and economic activities of entire regions. This is particularly significant in semi-arid regions such as the Mediterranean basin, an area characterised by rivers with highly variable flows and the periodic occurrence of low flows or even intermittent rivers. In this presentation, the speaker will show various examples of the dangers associated with the emerging pollutants and nanomaterials in Mediterranean river basins affected by water shortage. For example, the lecture will focus on the importance of environmental factors (light, temperature, water flow) and chemical stress factors (nutrients, medicines, endocrine disrupters, pesticides, perfluorinated compounds and heavy metals) in the structure and functioning of biofilms and biota.

Cycle: SCIENCE ON MONDAY: The Chemistry of our life

Organized by: The Residence for Researchers, CSIC-Delegación en Cataluña, Instituto de Diagnóstico Ambiental y Estudios del Agua (IDAEA)