Project properties
Title Constructing Species Sensitivity Distribution Curves for Determining Ecotoxicological Thresholds of Ammonia
Group Marine Animal Ecology
Project type thesis
Credits 12-24
Supervisor(s) Michael Yeboah
Edwin Foekema
Examiner(s) Tinka Murk, Ronald Osinga, Reindert Nijland, Rosa van der Ven or Diede Maas
Contact info michael.yeboah@wur.nl
edwin.foekema@wur.nl
Begin date 2025/01/01
End date 2026/01/01
Description Ammonia is being explored as a potential alternative to heavy fuel oil (HFO) for powering ships, primarily due to its carbon-free nature, which could help the maritime industry reduce its carbon footprint. However, ammonia is inherently toxic and poses significant risks when dispersed into air and water, potentially impacting marine birds, mammals, and aquatic organisms. Toxicological thresholds, including effect and no-effect concentrations, vary across species. To better understand cumulative and species-specific thresholds, this study will employ the Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) approach to estimate concentrations at which a certain proportion of the exposed community could be affected by ammonia. The method will also be extended to nitrogen-based chemicals like nitrite and nitrate, focusing on relevant taxonomic groups. The research will involve secondary data collection from existing literature and reports, followed by statistical analysis to construct SSD plots.

Research Goals:
- Screen and compile toxicological data for ammonia (and if possible, nitrite and nitrate) for marine organisms based on predetermined criteria.
- Develop SSD plots to estimate effect and no-effect concentrations for combined or taxonomic groups, depending on data availability.

This study aims to provide critical insights into the ecological risks associated with ammonia and related nitrogen chemicals. The outcomes will be a vital contribution to the AmmoniaDrive Project, supporting its focus on ensuring ecological safety.
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