The Animal Ecotoxicology and Biodiversity research team has a wide experience in the field of the sediment chronic ecotoxicology and metal bioaccumulation in benthic invertebrates. Through sediment chronic bioassays, we study the biological processes related to alterations in growth pattern, reproduction and bioaccumulation in oligochaete worms (Annelida) exposed to contaminants, under controlled conditions. At present, our interest is focused toward the study of sediment ecotoxicity, biodiversity of groundwaters and alterations in freshwater benthic communities, potentially due to the presence of heavy metals in the sediments.