Biomarkers: "In Vivo" Monitoring Of Environmental Impact Available to Purchase

To ensure ecologically sustainable development of oil and gas operations, the Exploration & Division of ENI promoted research to develop and validate a new methodology based on biomarkers in bioindicator organisms. This method is for monitoring ecotoxicological risk in onshore and off-shore areas and is based on multiple responses of biomarkers and analysis of contaminants (hydrocarbons and trace elements). Biomarkers provide a means of quantifying early chemical and physiological changes induced by environmental stressors that affect bioindicator organisms. It has therefore been possible to provide an in vivo assessment of actual chronic toxicological effects of contamination on autochthonous species sampled in these areas. The research identified the biomarkers most sensitive to oil and gas industry products as well as bioindicators representative of the study areas, showing the best response to the ecotoxicological tests carried out. The research was articulated in three phases: phase 1 - laboratory and seminatural studies; phase 2 - field studies; phase 3 - development and implementation of method. The method was applied in the Mediterranean marine environment