Scientist

Faculty of Biology
Aquatic Ecology
Universitätsstrasse 5
D-45141 Essen
Germany

Room S05T03B40
Tel: +49.201.18.34724
Fax: +49.201.18.32179
michelle.musiol@uni-due.de

PhD thesis: Accumulation of trace elements by intestinal parasites of different marine vertebrates

Increasing human activities, such as continuous economic and population growth, result in environmental burdens that are sometimes substantial. In addition to biodiversity loss and climate change, one of the most significant environmental hazards of the Anthropocene is the release of pollutants. Metal concentrations in marine systems are increasing due to human activities such as wastewater discharge, coastal construction, mine drainage, atmospheric deposition, and oil accidents. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification are feasible, particularly for non-essential elements. These are especially perilous for top predators like seabirds, whales, and seals.  Bioindicators are utilised to monitor trace element concentrations.These accumulate pollutants in much higher concentrations than the environment and therefore provide a more accurate depiction of health than chemical analyses alone. Previous research has demonstrated that parasites accumulate non-essential elements such as lead and cadmium in significantly higher concentrations than their hosts.

As part of the One Health Ruhr initiative, this thesis will investigate and evaluate the elemental constitution of various marine host species and the accumulation potential of mammalian helminths. In addition, it will be investigated how parasites affect the metal accumulation of their hosts. And whether accumulation differs between various parasite groups and between female and male parasites.