Quantify internal exposure levels of chemicals and their metabolites in wildlife using physiology based kinetic modelling

Summary

This thesis has effectively demonstrated how Physiologically Based Kinetic (PBK) modeling, supported by in vitro and in silico data, can be used to estimate the concentrations of pesticide residues and their metabolites in wildlife following oral exposures. These models, which can also quantify species-specific differences in metabolic kinetics, serve as valuable tools in wildlife biomonitoring. Leveraging these methodologies reduces reliance on in vivo animal studies, aligning with the ethical 3Rs principles—Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement. The findings represent advances in novel approach methodologies (NAMs) for monitoring pesticide exposure, emphasizing the models' importance in enhancing both the precision and ethical standards of environmental risk assessments. This effort aligns with broader initiatives to integrate innovative scientific methods into environmental conservation strategies, ensuring better protection of wildlife and supporting sustainable management practices.