The role of natural science collections in the biomonitoring of environmental contaminants in apex predators in support of the EU’s zero pollution ambition

Abstract The chemical industry is the leading sector in EU terms of added value. However, contaminants pose a major threat and significant costs to environment human health. While legislation international conventions aim reduce this threat, regulators struggle assess manage risks, given vast number substances involved lack data on exposure hazards. European Green Deal sets ‘ zero pollution ambition for toxic free ’ by 2050 Chemicals Strategy calls increased monitoring chemicals environment. Monitoring biota can, inter alia: provide with early warning bioaccumulation problems emerging concern; trigger risk assessment persistent, bioaccumulative substances; enable mixtures biota; mixtures; effectiveness management measures regulations overall. A these purposes are be addressed under recently launched Partnership Risk Assessment (PARC). Apex predators particular value biomonitoring. Securing sufficient at scale implies large-scale, long-term steady supply large numbers fresh apex predator tissue samples from across Europe. Natural science collections very well-placed these. Pan-European requires effective coordination among field organisations, analytical laboratories flow required specimens, processing storage specimens samples, contaminant analyses delivering pan-European sets, provision specimen population contextual data. Collections coordinate this. COST Action Raptor Biomonitoring Facility provides well-developed model showing how can work, integrating Scheme, Specimen Bank Sampling Programme. Simultaneously, EU-funded LIFE APEX has demonstrated range regulatory applications using cutting-edge techniques. PARC plans make best use such sampling biomonitoring programmes. poised play critical role supporting objectives thereby contribute delivery EU’s zero-pollution ambition.