Modelling chronic toxicity in terrestrial mammals

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Small mammals (e.g. field voles, wood mice) contribute to ecosystem services both in their own right and as prey for iconic predators such as birds of prey. In order to maintain food security while preserving ecosystem services it is important to understand the mechanisms of how different pesticide exposure patterns lead to ecotoxicological effects under field conditions. The aim of this project is to develop a toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) model to better understand, simulate and predict toxic effects of pesticides on wildlife, specifically effects on growth of small mammals. Existing laboratory toxicity studies with rats and mice will be used to develop and calibrate the model. The model aims to achieve two objectives: A. In-vitro to in-vivo toxicity extrapolation for effects on growth B. Assess the effects of different exposure patterns in the field for risk assessment.