Key messages

This project will explore the potential of animal species, in particular gammarids and bees, as sentinels of the chemical status of the environment and the human food chain, using innovative screening methods based on advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry and effect-directed analysis. 

Overview

Capturing the complexity of real-world chemical exposure of humans and the environment requires new conceptual frameworks and innovative methodological approaches. Within PARC, suspect and non-targeted screening based on high-resolution mass spectrometry ↗ coupled with effect-directed analysis, is emerging as a promising strategy for this purpose.  

Aligned with the One Health concept ↗, various animal sentinel species can provide  valuable insight into chemical exposure risks for both humans – particularly through the food chain – and environmental ecosystems. Bioaccumulation capacities are especially valuable, as they may exhibit higher concentrations of chemicals than those typically found in human biological samples, thereby enhancing detection sensitivity.

This project will focus on marine and terrestrial sentinel species, such as  gammarids and bees. These animals can often be sampled more easily than humans, especially when specimens are already available in existing biobanks. The aim is to develop and conduct a proof-of-concept study to assess the relevance and effectiveness of using sentinel species in combination with innovative screening methods. These approaches will serve as a complement to conventional and targeted analyses, supporting the development of an early warning systems for chemicals of emerging concern. Ultimately, the project aims to provide evidence for food and environmental policy-makers to strengthen chemical safety and health protection strategies. 

Achievements & Results

The project has been divided into three actions. First, a review article on the concept of sentinel animal species will help identify the key points for each species. The scope has been defined, and the literature query is under optimization. Second and third, sample sourcing is on-going for gammarids and bees, within the biobank of the Swedish National Marine Monitoring Program and the European network of National Reference Laboratories for Bee Health ↗. 

Policy relevance

This project, like others within PARC, will provide first insights in occurrence data on large numbers of not yet regulated/monitored chemicals and not yet known chemicals. Policies related to the human food chain (e.g., general food law Reg 178/2002) and environmental aspects are targets (e.g. Marine Strategy Framework Directive 2008/56/EC).