SETAC Latin America 16th Biennial Meeting

1 – Environmental Risk Assessment for Regulatory Purposes

The objective of this course is to discuss how environmental risk assessments for regulatory purposes are carried out. Tier I is reasonably well-defined across different geographies and consists of laboratory tests with sensitive surrogate species and worst-case exposure assumptions. Higher-tier tests address specific (regional) risk concerns using higher-tier tests, which incorporate increasing levels of ecological realism. During the course, we will review scientifically validated and internationally agreed test methods used by government, industry and research laboratories to determine the safety of chemicals for registration requirements; provide a clear set of instructions on how to conduct the different tests; and provide criteria for the validity of such tests for different non-target organisms (pollinators, birds and mammals, aquatic and soil fauna, reptiles and amphibians). We will discuss how such tests should be interpreted in a regulatory context, how to conduct a tiered approach, refinements and mitigation measures. 

Lead Instructor

Verissimo Gibran Mendes de Sa, Corteva Agriscience

Verissimo Gibran Mendes de Sa is an agronomist engineer (Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2005) and entomologist (Federal University of Viçosa, Brazil, 2011), with an emphasis on biological control. He served as a professor at the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG) from 2011 to 2013 and as deputy director of the university's engineering faculty in 2013. Mendes de Sa joined Dow AgroSciences in 2013 as a regulatory specialist. In 2014, he transitioned to regulatory sciences, working as a research scientist and ecotoxicologist. Since 2018, he has worked at Corteva Agriscience and currently lives in Indianapolis. In 2023, he became Latin America regulatory policy leader for crop protection and biological products.

2 – Environmentally Friendly Approaches To Minimize the Impact Caused by Pesticides

The course is aimed at trainers and professionals to educate and promote sound science related to mitigation strategies. It offers a multidisciplinary approach to studying the sustainability of agroecosystems threatened by the overuse of pesticides. Mitigation is key to addressing this issue, helping to restore pesticide-impacted environments and prevent further pollution while considering the entire production chain. Additionally, these concepts are important when examining the life cycle of farming activities or estimating their contributions in circular economy assessments to achieve system sustainability. Within the framework of Good Agricultural Practices, mitigation is a broad topic that requires a thorough understanding to ensure its practical application.

The first section of the course will show different tools for evaluating the impact caused by pesticides used in agroecosystems:

• Environmental impact of pesticides
• Punctual and diffuse contamination due to pesticides
• Different processes of mitigation

The second section will focus on mitigation strategies for minimizing environmental pesticides:

• Mitigation tools: conventional and alternative approaches
• Bioremediation: lab-scale and in-field experiments for varied pesticides. Biobeds settling, tailor-made for specific productive systems
• Chemical remediation: Advanced Oxidation Processes

After the presentations, the instructors and audience will actively exchange and discuss experiences.

Lead Instructor

María Natalia Besil, University of the Republic, CenUR Litoral Norte

Natalia Besil is a professor at the University of the Republic, CenUR Litoral Norte, Uruguay. She is a researcher in the Program for the Development of Basic Sciences (PEDECIBA), holds a Level I of the Uruguayan National Researchers System (SNI), and is an active member of the Group for the Analysis of Trace Contaminants, a well-known multicenter university laboratory for pesticide residue analysis.

She was a postgraduate researcher at the University of Almeria, Spain, and at the FSCL/FAO/IAEA at Seibersdorf Laboratories in Vienna. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry, focused on pesticide residue analysis in citrus matrices, recognized as the “Best Doctoral Thesis in Chemistry” by PEDECIBA in 2019. Besil has vast experience in trace analysis of organic contaminants, particularly chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry, in food and environment, with a strong focus on developing appropriate technological methodologies for the degradation of pollutants and the analytical confirmation of their dissipation.

Her research focuses on developing specific sample preparation procedures and instrumental methods for pesticide residue analysis in complex matrices through different thesis projects of graduate and postgraduate students in cutting-edge analytical chemistry projects.

She communicated her work and results through posters, short oral presentations, and lectures at more than 35 national and international conferences. She has authored 30 scientific publications, including journal articles and book chapters.

3 – Beyond the Underdog: Application of Plant Bioassays in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Risk Assessment

Ecotoxicological bioassays play a fundamental role in assessing environmental risks posed by chemical contaminants. While traditional assays often rely on animal models, plant-based bioassays have gained increasing recognition as cost-effective, ethical and scientifically robust alternatives. This course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the use of terrestrial plants in ecotoxicology, tracing its historical development from the pioneering studies of Levan (1938) on cell cycle alterations to the Genetic Toxicology (GENE-TOX) program of the 1980s and the current application of plants in detecting toxic substances from various environmental sources.

A key focus will be on the regulatory frameworks governing plant bioassays, discussing internationally recognized guidelines such as OECD-208, OECD-227, ISO 11269-1, ISO 17126, ISO 29200, OCSPP 850.4100, and ASTM E1963-22. The course will highlight the similarities and differences among these protocols, their applicability in laboratory and field studies, and their relevance for environmental risk assessment. Additionally, participants will learn how to design plant-based bioassays following standardized methodologies, with an emphasis on germination and growth assays, root and shoot development, biomass evaluation and cytogenetic analyses, including micronucleus and mitotic index assessments.

The course will also address critical factors influencing test validity, common challenges in experimental setup, and the need for protocol adaptations for tropical regions, considering soil types, climatic conditions and regional biodiversity. Finally, a hands-on interactive session will engage participants in applying the discussed methodologies to real-world ecotoxicological scenarios, reinforcing the role of terrestrial plants as key bioindicators in environmental monitoring.

This course is designed for researchers, students and professionals in ecotoxicology, environmental science and regulatory toxicology, providing both theoretical insights and practical guidance on implementing plant-based bioassays as effective tools for ecotoxicological risk assessment.

Lead Instructor

Larissa Andrade-Vieira, Federal University of Lavras

Larissa Fonseca Andrade-Vieira is a biologist with a Master’s and Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding (UFLA) and a Ph.D. in Ecotoxicology from the University de Lorraine (France). She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Ecology and Conservation at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), where she also serves as an advisor and lecturer in the Graduate Programs in Applied Botany and Applied Ecology. Since 2003, she has been investigating the biological effects of environmental pollutants using plant bioassays (Allium cepa, Lactuca sativa), applying cytogenotoxic techniques and analyzing cell cycle dynamics and DNA integrity (comet assay, flow cytometry, among others).

During her postdoctoral research at the University de Lorraine, France (2017–2018), she expanded her expertise to include additional ecotoxicological models, conducting ISO-standardized tests in aquatic ecotoxicology. In 2022, she established and currently coordinates the Eco-genotoxicology and Cytogenetics Laboratory at UFLA’s Department of Ecology and Conservation, now recognized as a reference center in Minas Gerais.

She has also been actively developing and refining plant-based bioassay protocols for germination and growth assessments, applying them in pesticide risk evaluations and environmental sample analyses. Her contributions in this field are widely recognized among her peers.

She is a CNPq Research Productivity Fellow in ecotoxicology and environmental genotoxicity, a distinction awarded to researchers who stand out in their field. Actively engaged in academic training, she supervises masters and doctoral students, as well as undergraduate research projects. She has authored over 50 articles in high-impact journals and is a member of the editorial board of scientific journals in the field. Her academic career integrates innovative research with capacity building, advancing the understanding of the environmental impacts of pollutants‚ particularly pesticides and emerging contaminants‚ and contributing to environmental conservation policies.

4 – Ecological Risk Assessment of Contaminated Land

This introductory course will focus on technical approaches to carrying out an ecological risk assessment (ERA), providing an overview of the planning and execution of ERA for the assessment of contaminated sites, considering ecotoxicity tests in this process.

Participants will have a general understanding of the process of planning and preparing an ERA, including conceptual model design, analysis plan, selection of ecotoxicological assays and ecological assessments for lines of evidence, identification and interpretation of ecological effects. Active involvement of participants will be encouraged.

Target audience: students, environmental professionals, consultants, government officials.

Syllabus:

• General principles and planning of the ARE (conceptual model, analysis plan, detailed assessment, risk calculations)
• The ARE triad (choice of chemical, ecotoxicological and ecological assessments in the lines of evidence)
• Perspectives and challenges
• Case studies with practical application

Lead Instructor

Julia Carina Niemeyer, Federal University of Santa Catarina

Julia Carina Niemeyer earned a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and ecology from the Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul (2001), a master’s degree in ecology and biomonitoring from the Universidade Federal da Bahia (2004), and a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Coimbra (2013). She is a professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) on the Curitibanos campus and works with the Postgraduate Program in Agricultural and Natural Ecosystems (PPGEAN) at the same institution. Niemeyer has experience in applied ecology, with an emphasis on terrestrial and aquatic ecotoxicology, ecological risk assessment, biomonitoring, soil biology, and ecosystem ecology. She currently develops research projects in contaminated areas, the ecotoxicity of pesticides and industrial residues, and soil biology, as well as extension projects in soil education.

Curriculum vitae: http://lattes.cnpq.br/8185023532378108

5 – Assessment of Pesticide Impacts on Agroecosystems: Case Studies With Interdisciplinary Approaches

This course offers an interdisciplinary approach to assessing the sustainability of agroecosystems, focusing on tools and methodologies to determine the presence and impact of pesticides in different environmental compartments. Case studies under field conditions will be examined, including methodologies for evaluating pesticide residues in soil, water and biota (plants, grains and invertebrates from different compartments), as well as their impact on non-target organisms such as pollinators and soil organisms. Additionally, the course will examine the relationship between farmer management practices in disease control and the presence of residues in crops, with a focus on compliance with Maximum Residue Limits. The course will conclude with an interactive discussion session, fostering an exchange of experiences between participants and experts, addressing the challenges of applying these approaches across diverse agricultural contexts.

Lead Instructor

Silvinia Niell, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la Republica

Silvina Niell is a chemist with a Ph.D. in chemistry from Universidad de la República in Uruguay. She is currently an adjunct professor at Universidad de la República and a member of the National Research System. Niell has research experience in methodological approaches for assessing the impacts and risks of pesticides on agroecosystems. Her work includes environmental monitoring, the use of beehives as pesticide biomonitors, the development of machine learning models for pesticide environmental risk assessment, and tools for biomonitoring. She teaches chemistry at the Departamento de Química del Litoral, CENUR Litoral Norte, Universidad de la República. She has authored over 25 peer-reviewed journal articles, five book chapters, and one peer-reviewed book. She has also presented over 70 posters and six oral presentations at international conferences. Niell is a member of the Latin American Society of Research in Bees (SOLATINA).

Read her curriculum vitae. 

6 – Green Toxicology: Harnessing Computational Toxicology and In Vitro Techniques for Sustainability

Green Toxicology represents a paradigm shift in chemical safety assessment, emphasizing preventive strategies over traditional hazard management. Instead of identifying hazards after a chemical is manufactured, toxicologists can help green chemists design away toxicity.

In vitro techniques have transformed toxicological evaluation by offering physiologically relevant models with enhanced predictive capacity. Advanced cell culture systems, including 3D organoids, spheroids and organ-on-a-chip platforms, recapitulate complex tissue-level interactions while maintaining ethical standards. These systems enable researchers to assess cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and specific organ toxicities using human-derived cells, thereby improving human relevance. High-content imaging and real-time cellular analysis further enhance the sensitivity of these methods, allowing for temporal evaluation of toxic responses at environmentally relevant concentrations.

Computational approaches complement these experimental systems through predictive modeling and data integration. Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSARs), physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models and machine learning algorithms can predict toxicological properties from chemical structures alone. The adverse outcome pathway (AOP) framework serves as a conceptual bridge, connecting molecular initiating events to adverse outcomes across biological levels. These computational tools enable rapid screening of thousands of chemicals and guide molecular design toward inherently safer alternatives.

This course provides an overview of novel data types as well as hands-on experience with existing computational models.

Lead Instructor

Alexandra Maertens, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Alexandra Maertens is head of the Computational Toxicology Initiative at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing. She has an extensive career in new approach methodologies (NAMs) and computational toxicology and is the author of the first textbook on green toxicology.

7 – Metabolomics as a Powerful Tool to Elucidate Mechanisms of Action of Environmental Chemicals

Among the omics sciences, metabolomics has become an alternative and promising approach in environmental toxicology and exposure assessment, allowing for the identification of novel biomarkers and elucidation of mechanisms of toxicity in more ecologically representative organisms. In this course, we will explore the concepts and applicability of the metabolomics approach in environmental sciences, focusing on high-performance liquid chromatography techniques coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Metabolite extraction methods, metabolite separation and detection techniques will be presented. We will also approach data analysis from pre-processing to post-processing of data with bioinformatics tools and the application of multivariate analysis. The metaboanalyst software will be used during the course to explore multivariate analysis of the biological data provided.

Lead Instructor

Flávia Yamamoto, Federal University of Ceará

Flávia holds a Master's and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the Federal University of Paraná. She developed her research at the Cellular Toxicology Laboratory (UFPR) for 9 years and at the University of California, Riverside for a sandwich doctorate (9 months). She was a Substitute Professor of Higher Education, at the Federal Technological University of Paraná (2016-2018). She completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Institute of Biosciences of the São Paulo State University (UNESP-CLP, 2018-2022) and at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA, Barcelona, ​​2022) funded by FAPESP. She was a Young Talent postdoctoral fellow at the PPG in Biochemistry (2023-2024, UFPR) and is currently a Visitor Professor at the Institute of Marine Sciences (LABOMAR) of the Federal University of Ceará (UFC) for the application of the metabolomic approach in fish impacted by multiple sources of contamination and the oil spill on the northeastern coast. She has experience in the area of ​​Ecotoxicology (2006-present), with an emphasis on Cellular and Molecular Biology, working mainly on the following topics: pollutants, biomonitoring, aquatic environments, fish, biomarkers, molecular analyzes, immunoassays, metabolomic approach and data analysis.

8 – Environmental Monitoring and Remediation: Study of Environmental Contaminants and Evaluation of Effects by Ecotoxicity Bioassays

This course will present concepts and studies for monitoring organic and inorganic environmental contaminants. 

Lead Instructor

Jairo Rodrigues, Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri

Jairo Rodrigues graduated in Pharmacy from the Federal University of Alfenas (2003) and Biochemistry in 2004. He completed a direct doctorate in toxicology from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo (FCFRP-USP), part of the doctorate carried out at the University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) in environmental chemistry.

Rodrigues has experience in quality control and analytical validation, toxicology of metals and oxidative stress and the analysis of pesticides and inorganic and organic contaminants. His work centers on topics including mass spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma, chromatographic analysis methods, human biomonitoring, environmental analytical chemistry, environmental and occupational toxicology, and the relationships between health and the environment. He also conducts monitoring studies and environmental remediation proposals using nanotechnology.

He served as director of research and postgraduate studies at the UFVJM Mucuri Campus from 2012 to 2015 and was coordinator of the multicenter doctoral program in chemistry at UFVJM from 2018 to 2019. He is currently a professor and researcher at ICET, where he also serves as director of the institute. Rodrigues is a Level II research productivity scholarship recipient and advises master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral students.

9 – Transforming Environmental Challenges: Active and Participatory Approaches for Innovative Solutions

This course aims to empower professionals and academics to apply innovative methodologies in tackling the challenges of environmental toxicology, with a special emphasis on water scarcity, based on the case study, “Arandu Roky: Nascendo Ideia.” Through interactive lectures, group dynamics, and a real case study on the water scarcity issue in a Brazilian indigenous community‚ the course will emphasize active listening and the appreciation of local knowledge. Participants will integrate the community’s needs and experiences into the development of sustainable and effective solutions. During the course, participants will be encouraged to identify, diagnose and propose strategies grounded in the results of consolidated scientific research, integrating scientific knowledge with outreach activities. The course also promotes critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and the collective construction of strategies that contribute to mitigating environmental impacts and adopting responsible and innovative practices. With this focus, participants will enhance their competencies and skills to face complex environmental challenges, valuing dialogue and the active participation of the community.

Lead Instructor

Bruno Crispim, Universidade Estadual do Tocantins

Bruno Crispim is a postdoctoral researcher in biodiversity and the environment (2017–2022) with a specialization in natural resources conservation. He holds a Ph.D. in environmental science and technology (2014–2017) with a concentration in environmental science, as well as a master’s degree in general biology/bioprospecting (2011–2013) and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences (2007–2010), all from the Federal University of Grande Dourados. Crispim works in the fields of ecotoxicology and genotoxicity, biomonitoring of water and air quality, and applied genetics and molecular biology.

10 – Advancing Human-Based Research: Informal Education Strategies for Researchers and Regulators

This course will explore the transformative role of informal education in advancing the adoption of human-based research models, including computational toxicology, organoids, evidence-based reviews and IACUC training. Participants will engage in designing webinars and workshops to bridge the knowledge gap in emerging non-animal methodologies. Topics will include an introduction to key alternatives to animal testing, practical case studies, strategies for integrating these approaches into research workflows and how to create an informal curriculum to address the gap in formal education. Special attention will be given to the role of regulatory bodies and research ethics committees in supporting this shift, with discussions on how informal education can equip these stakeholders to make informed decisions. Participants will leave with actionable insights into implementing these human-based methods in their work and fostering a culture of ethical, innovative science.

Lead Instructor

Camila Sgrignoli Januario, Johns Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing 

With over 10 years of experience in program management, education and event planning, Camila Sgrignoli Januario specializes in fostering collaboration between researchers, regulatory agencies and educational platforms.

11 – Rethinking Toxicology: The Future of NAMs Using Zebrafish in Risk Assessment

The field of toxicology has traditionally relied on animal models to assess the safety and efficacy of substances. However, this animal-centered approach has faced growing criticism due to its limitations in performance, consistency, transferability, sustainability, cost and ethics. New Approach Methologies (NAMs) offer promising alternatives, providing reliable, cost-effective and timely information. This course, organized by TOXICAM Lab (GETox/SBTox/Brazil), presents zebrafish as an innovative and versatile model for risk assessment. The program opens with an overview of zebrafish in scientific research, emphasizing their practical advantages. It then delves into the application of NAMs in toxicology, with a focus on zebrafish embryos as evaluation tools. Participants will also explore in vitro cell culture techniques and gain hands-on experience with the US EPA ECOTOX Knowledgebase for computational toxicology research. This resource facilitates the evaluation of multibiomarkers related to exposure and toxic effects. By integrating these approaches, the course seeks to enhance knowledge sharing and advance modern risk assessment practices, particularly within the Latin American community.

Lead Instructor

Lilian Cristina Pereira, TOXICAM Lab

Lilian Cristina Pereira, Ph.D., holds a degree in pharmacy from Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto – Uniararas (2009), and both a master's (2012) and Ph.D. (2016) in sciences with a focus on toxicology from FCFRP/USP, Brazil. She currently serves as a professor in the Department of Bioprocesses and Biotechnology and participates in postgraduate programs in pathology (FMB) and biotechnology (IBB). As the coordinator of the TOXICAM Lab (GETox/SBTox/Brazil), she specializes in alternative methods, particularly using zebrafish to assess mechanisms of cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and cell death modulation, establishing herself as a leader in implementing innovative toxicological models.