TY - JOUR
T1 - Use of biomarkers in environmental monitoring
AU - Lam, Paul K.S.
N1 - Funding Information:
This paper is partially based on a review entitled “Use of Biomarkers in Environmental Monitoring” commissioned by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF). Subsequent work was supported by the Area of Excellence Scheme under the University Grants Committee of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China (Project No. AoE/P-04/2004).
PY - 2009/7
Y1 - 2009/7
N2 - Using specific examples, this paper discusses several key issues associated with the use of biomarkers, which could influence their effectiveness and usefulness. First, there are few biomarkers that are specific enough to allow an identification of the precise nature of environmental stressors. Second, biomarker studies conducted at molecular or subcellular levels tend to be more repeatable and predictable, but their ability to predict significant biological effects is limited. In contrast, biomarkers at physiological, organismic or higher levels are usually more ecologically relevant, but slower to respond and more difficult to detect. Third, some organisms have the ability to repair damage induced by initial toxic insults and make adjustments to their biological responses, thus increasing the chance of false negatives. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate biomarker for use under specific ecological circumstances will be a compromise that is determined by the precise question(s) asked and cost-benefit considerations.
AB - Using specific examples, this paper discusses several key issues associated with the use of biomarkers, which could influence their effectiveness and usefulness. First, there are few biomarkers that are specific enough to allow an identification of the precise nature of environmental stressors. Second, biomarker studies conducted at molecular or subcellular levels tend to be more repeatable and predictable, but their ability to predict significant biological effects is limited. In contrast, biomarkers at physiological, organismic or higher levels are usually more ecologically relevant, but slower to respond and more difficult to detect. Third, some organisms have the ability to repair damage induced by initial toxic insults and make adjustments to their biological responses, thus increasing the chance of false negatives. Therefore, the selection of an appropriate biomarker for use under specific ecological circumstances will be a compromise that is determined by the precise question(s) asked and cost-benefit considerations.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=67650518011&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2009.04.010
DO - 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2009.04.010
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:67650518011
SN - 0964-5691
VL - 52
SP - 348
EP - 354
JO - Ocean and Coastal Management
JF - Ocean and Coastal Management
IS - 7
ER -