Zeitschrift für Ökologie und Toxikologie

Abstrakt

Interconnections of Ecology and Toxicology: Understanding the Impact of Chemical Contaminants on Ecosystem Health

Klaus Cantina

The growing concern over the adverse effects of toxic chemicals on ecosystems has prompted extensive research in the fields of ecology and toxicology. This article presents a comprehensive review of recent studies investigating the ecological impacts of various toxic substances and their significance in environmental conservation. The interactions between toxicants and living organisms, as well as the cascading effects through food webs and habitats, are examined to understand the broader consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. However, anthropogenic pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals are posing unprecedented threats to the delicate balance of these ecosystems. The article delves into the ecological consequences of toxic pollutants on various trophic levels, starting from primary producers (e.g., algae and aquatic plants) to consumers (e.g., fish, invertebrates).