South East Technological University (SETU) is celebrating the publication of a new academic book by SETU lecturer Dr Thomais Kakouli Duarte, which contributes important practical and theoretical insights to the field of environmental science.
Entitled “Nematodes as Environmental Indicators: From Theory to Practice”, the book was published in December 2025 and brings together international expertise on the use of nematodes as tools for environmental biomonitoring. Dr Kakouli Duarte is joined as co-editor by Gerard Korthals, Sara Sánchez-Moreno, Gerhard du Preez and Ron G.M. de Goede, and as a co-author by 62 international colleagues from all continents.
Understanding Ecosystem Health Through Nematodes
Nematodes are the most widespread multicellular animals on Earth. Their presence, diversity and function in terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments provide valuable insights into ecosystem health. The analysis of nematode communities is increasingly recognised as a reliable and cost-effective approach to environmental assessment and monitoring.
This new edition responds to pressing global environmental challenges, including climate change and ecological change across large spatial scales. It examines how these pressures are reflected in nematode communities and how environmental nematology can be used to generate knowledge that supports mitigation and sustainability efforts.
Speaking about the publication, Dr Kakouli Duarte said, “Our world is facing many challenges, with environmental degradation being a major problem and geopolitical uncertainty intensifying it. The need for collective action in environmental nematology was never greater.
At the same time, advancements in the area can facilitate this action and this volume provides the state of the art but goes one more important step forward: it provides a more hands-on approach to truly become the environmental nematology textbook of favour in environmental science and practice.
These advancements are the result of the work of colleagues who have authored parts of this book, and we are ever so thankful to them for their contributions.”
A Practical and Forward-Looking Resource
The book also introduces several new and emerging topics, including:
- the use of nematodes as indicators of sustainable agriculture
- nematode communities in extreme environments
- novel identification approaches using image analysis and machine learning
- links between nematodes and environmental policy
- education in environmental nematology
- recommended protocols for nematode sampling and analysis
Designed with a strong practical focus, the book offers a hands-on approach for readers embarking on environmental nematology for the first time, while also serving as a valuable reference for experienced researchers. It will be of interest to nematologists, soil and aquatic ecologists, agronomists and environmental scientists.
Dr Kakouli Duarte’s publication reflects SETU’s commitment to engaged, impactful research that responds to environmental challenges and supports evidence-based decision-making at local, national and global levels.