Biochemical effects biomarker approach

The ISO protocol for the biochemical response EROD (ISO 23893-2/AWI) as a recent example of a bioanalytical (biomarker) [49,50] method standardised under ISO for fish needs harmonisation with the other test systems and between the laboratories (users) before implementation. Use of biomarkers (biochemical responses) in multi-arrays for environmental monitoring according to Hansen et al. [50] is complementary to chemical analysis since they can alert for the presence of ecotoxic compounds. Bringing into the WFD, the effect-related approaches concerning bioassays and biomarkers are only relevant in the context of the QN of environmental relevant substances and the good chemical status. But it is rather difficult to transfer the monitored biochemical responses or biomarkers into an operational effect-related standard. They serve as the basis for environmental protection against hazardous substances. In relation to... 

Effect. No reliable biomarkers of manganese effect are known. Biochemical changes such as altered blood or urinary levels of steroids, neurotransmitters, or their metabolites are plausible biomarkers of exposure, but this possibility has not been thoroughly investigated. Although methods exist for the analysis of these biochemicals, further work to improve the analyses does not seem warranted unless the utility of this approach is established. 

---