Since the 80s, environmental quality has been gaining scientific interest as a challenge to develop tools to understand and assess the implications of the negative effects of anthropogenic action on the biosphere, while ensuring sustainable development.

The research activity of the group is focused on the study of the mechanisms and responses triggered by physical and chemical agents in animals, with the aim of their application in various contexts: in the development of new pesticides, in the evaluation of animal responses to global warming, in the evaluation of the toxicity of environmental pollutants, in the ecophysiological characterisation of pest and invasive species, and in the development and optimisation of biomarkers indicative of animal health and well-being.

The group uses specialised methodologies to carry out bioassays with substances of agrochemical (pesticides) and environmental interest in different insect species as well as in freshwater and marine animals (fish, crustaceans and molluscs). Environmental agents and problems investigated by the group include pesticides, metals, pharmaceuticals, nanoparticles, nano- and microplastics, rising temperatures in relation to global warming, as well as invasive animal species. For this purpose, studies are carried out using a variety of methodologies including ectopic, dietary, airborne, or aquatic exposures of animals to toxicants under controlled conditions.

Studies are also carried out in the natural environment. Toxicokinetic studies are carried out, as well as the evaluation of physiological parameters (reproduction, level of energy reserves, osmolality, plasma metabolites), biochemical parameters (oxidative damage, antioxidant defences, metallothionein level, biotransformation enzyme activities) or by using omics technologies. The group collaborates with Spanish and foreign research groups in carrying out joint work, and also actively participates in international congresses by attending and organising them.