microarray

Using BASE (BioArray Software Environment) and some of the R-packages bundled in Bioconductor, we are developing a generic platform for microarray data analysis in close collaboration with the Intelligent Systems Laboratory (University of Antwerp).

Fresh watercourses are highly diverse ecosystems and the composition of the macroinvertebrate communities present in these different surface waters depends on the prevailing biotic and abiotic conditions that characterize the given location. Studies investigating the true biodiversity of freshwater invertebrates and their relationship with environmental factors though are scarce.

During recent years ecotoxicology has been an emerging field and its experimental focus has been expanded from using mainly chemical stressors (e.g. cadmium) to assessing the effects of natural or non-chemical stressors (e.g.

The Biological water quality in Flanders is assessed aplying the Belgian Biotic Index (BBI). The aim of this proposal is the development of a biodiversity chip (DNA-array) for the identification of benthic macro invertebrate communities.

Among environmental pollutants heavy metals make up a separate category: contrary to most organic contaminants heavy metals occur naturally, they are persistent, they bio-accumulate and are potentially toxic to man and biota. Metal toxicity can cause very diverse and sometimes baleful effects. Cadmium for example may cause renal dysfunction and respiratory problems in humans and animals. In plants growth retardation occurs as well as root damage, and noxious effects on physiological processes have been observed. Moreover, cadmium is a carcinogen.