@inproceedings{8606083,
  abstract     = {{Conventional metal risk assessment is based on metal bioavailability and species sensitivity distributions (SSD). An ever increasing number of studies on chronic metal toxicity are being published. Furthermore, the SSD is based on toxic effects that occur at the individual level. In the real environment, however, we want to protect populations and communities within the ecosystem. 
Modelling techniques in ecological risk assessment are becoming increasingly more prominent. They can be used to predict long-term effects of chemicals and other stressors on population dynamics. In this study a population model was developed, integrating available data on various endpoints of copper toxicity on the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Effects of copper on freshwater snail survival and growth rate (Lymnaea stagnalis) have been demonstrated, as well as effects on reproduction and embryo development (Lymnaea luteola). As a result of these laboratory experiments the adverse effects of copper have been quantified. Data on copper dose-response relationships is available, and can thus be incorporated in mechanistic models to extrapolate copper effects from the individual to the population level. 
The proposed model is an individual based model (IBM) of the dynamic energy budget theory (DEB), adapted for the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis. IBM describes population dynamics through individual behavior, while DEB describes physiological processes on an individual level. DEB-IBM can therefore simulate the impact of stressors on individual animal processes (assimilation, maintenance, reproduction, growth, survival) which can then be projected to the population level.
Simulations with the Lymnaea DEB-IBM indicate a decrease in population growth rate and carrying capacity with increasing copper concentrations. Furthermore, there is a shift in age structure between snail embryos, juveniles and adults. Effects on population reproduction and mean adult snail size are predicted as well.
Based on simulations with a range of copper concentrations, population level NOECs and EC10s can be derived, and this for varying environmental conditions (e.g. food availability) and different population endpoints. Comparing these values to individual level NOECs and EC10s, can help steer legislation towards a population-level protection of the environment regarding copper pollution. This study addresses the importance of mechanistic population models as tools to improve ecological relevance in (copper) risk assessment.}},
  author       = {{Vlaeminck, Karel and Viaene, Karel and Van Sprang, Patrick and De Schamphelaere, Karel}},
  booktitle    = {{SETAC Europe, 27th Annual meeting, Abstracts}},
  keywords     = {{Lymnaea stagnalis,Population model,DEB,IBM,Copper,Ecotoxicology}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  location     = {{Brussels, Belgium}},
  title        = {{The use of population models in copper risk assessment : a case study with Lymnaea stagnalis}},
  year         = {{2017}},
}