Integrated Marine Informations System - IMIS

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Onderzoeksgroep Systemisch Fysiologisch en Ecotoxicologisch Onderzoek (UA-SPHERE)
www.uantwerpen.be/nl/onderzoeksgroep/sphere/
English name: Research group Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research
Parent institute: Universiteit Antwerpen; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Departement Biologie (UA), more
Previous name: Universiteit Antwerpen; Faculteit Wetenschappen; Departement Biologie; Onderzoeksgroep Ecofysiologie, Biochemie en Toxicologie (UA), more

Thesaurus terms (17) : Adaptations (physiological); Bioaccumulation; Biochemistry; Biological stress; Chemical speciation; Ecotoxicology; Endocrine disrupters; Endocrine disrupting substances; Environmental effects; Gene expression; Heavy metals; Man-induced effects; Metals; Physiology; Pollutants; Thermal pollution; Toxicology
Taxonomic terms (4) : Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758 [WoRMS]; Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1822) [WoRMS]; Daphnia magna Straus, 1820 [WoRMS]; Littorina littorea (Linnaeus, 1758) [WoRMS]
Geographical terms (2) : ANE, Netherlands, Westerschelde [Marine Regions]; Belgium, Zeeschelde [Marine Regions]
Address:
Campus Middelheim
Groenenborgerlaan 171 - Gebouw U
2020 Antwerpen
Belgium
Tel.: +32-(0)3-265 33 47
Fax: +32-(0)3-265 34 97
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Type: Scientific
Persons (2)  Top | Publications | Projects | Event | Datasets 
Persons formerly associated with this organization (8)
Abstract:
The research group Systemic Physiological and Ecotoxicological Research (SPHERE) of the University of Antwerp holds this name since 2012, and was formerly known as Ecophysiology, Biochemistry and Toxicology (EB&T). The group was founded in 1973 and was initially named laboratory of Biochemistry and General Zoology. SPHERE conducts research on important issues of environmental and adaptational biology. The research group focuses on how organisms respond to environmental changes with an emphasis on the different levels of biological organisation: from the molecular level (including genomics, proteomics and metabolomics) to the broader response of populations in real field situations. Expertises include molecular, cellular and organismal toxicity tests; characterisation of mode of action of microcontaminants; analysis of inorganic and organic contaminants; chemical and biological monitoring and diagnostics; development of application of biomarkers and sensors; modelling of bioavailability, accumulation and toxicity.

Within the marine domain, SPHERE studies the following topics:
- The combined effects of temperature, hypoxia, carbon dioxide and nitrogen on the ion regulation of fish;
- Trophic transfer and bioaccumulation of contaminants in food webs in the Scheldt Estuary and the North Sea;
- The intake and toxicity of metals in marine and estuarine areas for key species such as mussels and scallops, fish and sharks;
- Fate and effects of microplastics in marine environments;
- Modelling and bioaccumulations of pollutants in marine organisms.

SPHERE participates within several marine projects dealing with topics such as the effects of pollutants on populations and benthic communities in the North Sea, and the influence and recovery of anthropogenic interventions on fish populations. The network of the research group includes both Belgian and international universities as well as Flemish scientific institutes such as the Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO).
Publications (31)  Top | Persons | Projects | Event | Datasets 
    ( 19 peer reviewed ) split up filter
  • Peer reviewed article Lopez-Antia, A.; Kavelaars, M.M.; Müller, W.; Bervoets, L.; Eens, M. (2021). Understanding PFAAs exposure in a generalist seabird species breeding in the vicinity of a fluorochemical plant: influence of maternal transfer and diet. Environ. Pollut. 271: 116355. https://hdl.handle.net/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116355, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teunen, L.; Bervoets, L.; Belpaire, C.G.J.; De Jonge, M.; Groffen, T. (2021). PFAS accumulation in indigenous and translocated aquatic organisms from Belgium, with translation to human and ecological health risk. Environ. Sci. Eur. 33(1): 39. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12302-021-00477-z, more
  • Peer reviewed article Bourillon, B.; Acou, A.; Trancart, T.; Belpaire, C.; Covaci, A.; Bustamante, P.; Faliex, E.; Amilhat, E.; Malarvannan, G.; Virag, L.; Aarestrup, K.; Bervoets, L.; Boisneau, C.; Boulenger, C.; Gargan, P.; Becerra-Jurado, G.; Lobón-Cerviá, J.; Maes, G.E.; Pedersen, M.I.; Poole, R.; Sjöberg, N.; Wickström, H.; Walker, A.; Righton, D.; Feunteun, E. (2020). Assessment of the quality of European silver eels and tentative approach to trace the origin of contaminants - A European overview. Sci. Total Environ. 743: 140675. https://hdl.handle.net/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140675, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teuchies, J.; Cox, T.J.S.; Van Itterbeeck, K.; Meysman, F.J.R.; Blust, R. (2020). The impact of scrubber discharge on the water quality in estuaries and ports. Environ. Sci. Eur. 32(1): 103. https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12302-020-00380-z, more
  • Peer reviewed article Van Ael, E.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2017). Metals in the Scheldt estuary: from environmental concentrations to bioaccumulation. Environ. Pollut. 228: 82-91. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2017.05.028, more
  • Peer reviewed article Van Ael, E.; Covaci, A.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2014). Corrigendum to "Persistent organic pollutants in the Scheldt estuary: Environmental distribution and bioaccumulation" [Environ. Int. 48C (2012) 17-27]. Environ. Int. 63: 246-251. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2013.09.016, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teuchies, J.; Jacobs, S.; Oosterlee, L.; Bervoets, L.; Meire, P. (2013). Role of plants in metal cycling in a tidal wetland: Implications for phytoremidiation. Sci. Total Environ. 445-446: 146-154. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.11.088, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teuchies, J.; Vandenbruwaene, W.; Carpentier, R.; Bervoets, L.; Temmerman, S.; Chen, W.; Maris, T.; Cox, T.J.S.; Van Braeckel, A.; Meire, P. (2013). Estuaries as filters: The role of tidal marshes in trace metal removal. PLoS One 8(8): e70381. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070381, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teuchies, J.; Singh, G.; Bervoets, L.; Meire, P. (2013). Land use changes and metal mobility: Multi-approach study on tidal marsh restoration in a contaminated estuary. Sci. Total Environ. 449: 174-183. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.01.053, more
  • Peer reviewed article Van Ael, E.; Covaci, A.; Das, K.; Lepoint, G.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2013). Factors influencing the bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants in food webs of the Scheldt estuary. Environ. Sci. Technol. 47(19): 11221-11231. dx.doi.org/10.1021/es400307s, more
  • Peer reviewed article Van Ael, E.; Covaci, A.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2012). Persistent organic pollutants in the Scheldt estuary: Environmental distribution and bioaccumulation. Environ. Int. 48: 17-27. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2012.06.017, more
  • Peer reviewed article Roosens, L.; Dirtu, A.C.; Goemans, G.; Belpaire, C.; Gheorghe, A.; Neels, H.; Blust, R.; Covaci, A. (2008). Brominated flame retardants and polychlorinated biphenyls in fish from the river Scheldt, Belgium. Environ. Int. 34(7): 976-983. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.02.009, more
  • Peer reviewed article Teuchies, J.; De Deckere, E.; Bervoets, L.; Meynendonckx, J.; Van Regenmortel, S.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2008). Influence of tidal regime on the distribution of trace metals in a contaminated tidal freshwater marsh soil colonized with common reed (Phragmites australis). Environ. Pollut. 155(1): 20-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2007.11.005, more
  • Peer reviewed article Wepener, V.; Bervoets, L.; Mubiana, V.; Blust, R. (2008). Metal exposure and biological responses in resident and transplanted blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) from the Scheldt estuary. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 57(6-12): 624-631. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.03.030, more
  • Peer reviewed article Tudorache, C.; Blust, R.; De Boeck, G. (2007). Swimming capacity and energetics of migrating and non-migrating morphs of three-spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus L. and their ecological implications. J. Fish Biol. 71(5): 1448-1456. dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1095-8649.2007.01612.x, more
  • Peer reviewed article Mubiana, V.K.; Vercauteren, K.; Blust, R. (2006). The influence of body size, condition index and tidal exposure on the variability in metal bioaccumulation in Mytilus edulis. Environ. Pollut. 144(1): 272-279. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2005.12.017, more
  • Peer reviewed article Mubiana, V.K.; Blust, R. (2006). Metal content of marine mussels from Western Scheldt Estuary and nearby protected Marine Bay, the Netherlands: impact of past and present contamination. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 77(2): 203-210. dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00128-006-1051-6, more
  • Peer reviewed article Mubiana, V.; Qadah, D.; Meys, J.; Blust, R. (2005). Temporal and spatial trends in heavy metal concentrations in the marine mussel Mytilus edulis from the Western Scheldt estuary (The Netherlands). Hydrobiologia 540(1-3): 169-180. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10750-004-7134-7, more
  • Peer reviewed article Hoff, P.T.; Van de Vijver, K.; Van Dongen, W.; Esmans, E.L.; Blust, R.; De Coen, W.M. (2003). Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in bib (Trisopterus luscus) and plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) from the western Scheldt and the Belgian North Sea: distribution and biochemical effects. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 22(3): 608-614. dx.doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(2003)022<0608:PSAIBT>2.0.CO;2, more
  • Teunkens, B.; Maris, T.; Van Damme, S.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2021). Tracking marked plastic items on their journey through the Scheldt estuary, using the Permanent Belgian Acoustic Receiver Network (PBARN), in: Mees, J. et al. Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Science Day, Online event 3 March 2021. VLIZ Special Publication, 85: pp. 5, more
  • Teunkens, B.; Maris, T.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2018). Plastic fluxes toward the oceans, contribution of the Schelde River (Belgium), in: Baztan, J. et al. (Ed.) MICRO 2018. Fate and impact of microplastics: knowledge, actions and solutions: International Conference 19-23 November 2018, Lanzarote. pp. 280-281, more
  • Teunen, L.; Belpaire, C.; Dardenne, F.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2017). Veldstudie naar de monitoring van biota in het kader van de rapportage van de chemische toestand voor de Kaderrichtlijn Water 2015-2016. Universiteit Antwerpen (UA)/Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek (INBO): Antwerpen. 62 + bijlagen pp., more
  • De Schamphelaere, K.; Bervoets, L.; Teuchies, J.; Ysebaert, T.Y.; Meire, P.; Blust, R. (2016). Development of a triad assessment method for brackish sediments in Flanders, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Marine Scientist Day. Brugge, Belgium, 12 February 2016. VLIZ Special Publication, 75: pp. 40, more
  • De Schamphelaere, K.; Teuchies, J.; Bervoets, L.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2016). Chemical quality assessment of sediments of the Scheldt Estuary using sediment quality guidelines, in: Meire, P. (Ed.) Book of abstracts: ECSA Local Meeting 2016. Estuarine Restoration: from theory to practice and back, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, 5-9 July 2016. VLIZ Special Publication, 77: pp. 81, more
  • De Schamphelaere, K.; Teuchies, J.; Ysebaert, T.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2016). Development of a triad assessment method for brackish sediments in Flanders, in: Meire, P. (Ed.) Book of abstracts: ECSA Local Meeting 2016. Estuarine Restoration: from theory to practice and back, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium, 5-9 July 2016. VLIZ Special Publication, 77: pp. 84, more
  • Belpaire, C.; Breine, J.; Buysse, D.; Van Wichelen, J.; Coeck, J.; Ovidio, M.; Matondo, B.N.; De Meyer, J.; Bouilliart, M.; Adriaens, D.; Verhelst, P.; Roland, K.; Kestemont, P.; Bervoets, L.; Darchambeau, F.; Rollin, X.; Vlietinck, K. (2015). Report on the eel stock and fishery in: Belgium 2014/'15. International Council for the Exploration of the Sea: Copenhagen. 71 pp., more
  • Geerts, L.; Cox, T.J.S.; Maris, T.; Kromkamp, J.; Blust, R.; Soetaert, K.; Meire, P. (2015). Algal growth inhibition in the historical Schelde Estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Young Scientists’ Day. Brugge, Belgium, 20 February 2015. VLIZ Special Publication, 71: pp. 67, more
  • Van Ael, E.; Covaci, A.; Das, K.; Blust, R.; Bervoets, L. (2013). Biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants in food webs from the Scheldt Estuary (Belgium), in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts – VLIZ Young Marine Scientists' Day. Brugge, Belgium, 15 February 2013. VLIZ Special Publication, 63: pp. 91, more
  • Meire, A.; Maris, T.; Cox, T.; Bervoets, L. (2012). Estimating primary production from continuous oxygen data in the Schelde Estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts - VLIZ Young Marine Scientists' Day. Brugge, Belgium, 24 February 2012. VLIZ Special Publication, 55: pp. 54, more
  • Teuchies, J.; De Jonge, M.; Bervoets, L.; de Deckere, E.; Blust, R.; Meire, P. (2012). The effect of increasing surface water oxygen concentrations on metal mobility in sediments from the Schelde Estuary, in: Mees, J. et al. (Ed.) Book of abstracts - VLIZ Young Marine Scientists' Day. Brugge, Belgium, 24 February 2012. VLIZ Special Publication, 55: pp. 82, more
  • Roosens, L.; Dirtu, A.; Goemans, G.; Belpaire, C.; Gheorghe, A.; Neels, H.; Blust, R.; Covaci, A. (2008). Brominated flame retardants in eels from River Scheldt, in: Belpaire, C. Pollution in eel: a cause of their decline? = Verontreiniging in paling: een oorzaak van zijn achteruitgang?. Mededelingen van het Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek, M.2008.2: pp. 45-63, more
Projects (11)  Top | Persons | Publications | Event | Datasets 
  • Biobeschikbaarheid en accumulatie van dissocieerbare organische contaminanten in de estuariene vis, Cyprinodon variegatus, more
  • CALMARS: Validation of alternative marine calcareous skeletons as recorders of global climate change, more
  • Characterisation of the toxicological mode of action and effect-evaluation of fluorinated organochemicals in marine and estuarine organisms, more
  • Comparative study of bioaccumulation and effects of metals in mussels between a temperate and a subtropical region: the Scheldt estuary (Antwerpen Harbour - Flanders) and the Richards Bay Harbour (South-Africa), more
  • ECOTOX2: Belgian Science Policy, BELSPO, FEDRA database, more
  • Effect-evaluatie van perfluorverbindingen bij mariene en estuariene organismen, more
  • Effects of environmental stress on the genetic structure of natural populations of the periwinkles Littorina littorea and Littorina saxatilis (Mollusca, Gastropoda), more
  • FIRE: Flame retardants Integrated Risk assessment for Endocrine effects, more
  • Genetic characterization of 'alikruiken' Littorina littorea en L. saxatilis along the pollutiongradient in the Schelde estuary, more
  • Het gebruik van Littorina als TBT biomonitor langsheen het Schelde-estuarium en de Noordzeekust, more
  • Impact van persistente organische polluenten op de Noordzeegarnaal, more
Event  Top | Persons | Publications | Projects | Datasets 
  • Training course: The Scheldt, an ecological sketch, more
Datasets (2)  Top | Persons | Publications | Projects | Event 
  • Heavy metal concentrations in the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) in the Western Scheldt, more
  • OMES: Monitoring the primary production in the flemish part of the Scheldt estuary, more
All data in the Integrated Marine Information System (IMIS) is subject to the VLIZ privacy policy Top | Persons | Publications | Projects | Event | Datasets