Hormone-changing pollutants
Endocrine disruptors are chemical compounds of great environmental concern.
They interfere with the hormone (endocrine) system of organisms, which can result in sterility and species extinctions. These compounds affect the development of living organisms, reducing production, associated economic activities, and ecosystem services.
Endocrine disruptor chemicals can also interfere with hormonal systems, cause developmental disorders, birth defects, and cancerous tumors, and are a global challenge.
These chemicals can have a drastic impact on the wider environment and wildlife population, potentially causing an imbalance in environmental health.
Our researchers use techniques to detect biomarkers, or early signals, that can predict a hormonal change in the organisms following exposure to endocrine disruptors. Results are developed into applications for monitoring chemicals and for better environmental assessment.
Biodiversity
The University of Brighton led the 5th global City Nature Challenge as part of the Nature2020 programme, which aimed to raise awareness of and connect people to the environment. This formed part of the UN Decade on Biodiversity.
Our researchers are also enhancing bird biodiversity through wildlife monitoring and enhancement school programmes.
They're also involved in projects that identify and map makers (designers and craftspeople) working in ways that may directly support and enable biodiversity, habitat restoration, and conservation as a result of their productive activities.