Application of Biomarker Tools using Bivalve Models Towards the Development of Adverse Outcome Pathways (AOPs) for Contaminants of Emerging Concern

As contaminant exposures in aquatic ecosystems continue to increase, the need for streamlining research efforts in environmental toxicology using predictive frameworks also grows. One such framework is the Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP). An AOP framework organizes and utilizes toxicological information to connect measurable molecular endpoints to an adverse outcome of regulatory relevance via a series of events at different levels of biological organization. Molecular endpoints or biomarkers are essential to develop AOPs and are valuable early warning signs of toxicity of pollutants, including contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Ecological risk assessment (ERA) approaches using tools such as biomarkers and AOPs benefit from identification of molecular targets conserved across species. Bivalve models are useful in such approaches and are integral to our understanding of ecological and human health risks associated with contaminant exposures. Here we discuss the value of using biomarker approaches in bivalve models to meet the demands of 21st century toxicology. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.