Case Study 2A - Aquatic/terrestrial (bats)
Pollutant transfer and effects in the interface between aquatic and terrestrial environments
Institutions: UCLM, CSIC
CS Coordinators: Ana López-Antia, Silvia Lacorte, Manuel Ortiz-Santaliestra
Objectives / Hypothesis
Linking aquatic and terrestrial pollutant fate and hazards in a tailored risk assessment for bats in rice fields.
Description of the case study
The CS 2A investigates the impact of (PPPs) on bat populations in rice field ecosystems, aiming to understand the transfer of PPPs from aquatic to terrestrial environments and the subsequent hazards they pose to bats.
Assessment of the role of bats in pest control and how PPP use influence their populations are examined. To achieve this, researchers will monitor bat populations, PPP residues in bats, invertebrates, and the environment, as well as insect abundance and diversity.
Case Study Goal
Exposure assessment
Knowledge on PPP application dates (from farmers)
Residues of PPPs and degradation products in bats (blood and faeces) and invertebrates (whole body) during application periods
Effect assessment - Direct effects, characterized at different levels of biological organization
Biomarkers from metabolomic analysis
Bats’ behavior before/after PPP applications (acoustic surveys). Indirect effects from insect availability
Biodiversity monitoring - Richness and abundance of flying and benthic insects (acting as food for bats and as pests for rice fields)
Species
Involved stakeholders
Rice farmers, Ebro Delta Natural Park management
Research institutions working in the area (Museu Granollers, IRTA)
National (SEO, SECEM, AEE) and local (Picampall) nature protection NGOs
Locations
Description: Ebro Delta (NE Spain)
65% occupied by rice fields, mixed with protected wetlands
