Ecotoxicology
Ecotoxicology is a multidisciplinary field, which integrates toxicology, ecology, chemistry,
biochemistry and genetics. Ecotoxicology is the study of the effects of toxic chemicals on organisms
at the population, community, ecosystem level. All organisms are connected in the web of life. If a
chemical affects some of the organisms, other organisms in the ecosystem may suffer from its
ecotoxicity since organisms depend on one another.
The principles of ecotoxicology identify the major classes of organic and inorganic pollutants, their
properties, release and environmental fate, transference in air, water and along food chains, before
considering the effects that they might have upon individual organisms and ultimately whole
ecosystems.
The ultimate goal of this approach is to be able to predict the effects of pollution so that the most
effective action to prevent or remediate any harmful effect can be identified. In
those ecosystems that are already impacted by pollution, ecotoxicological studies can inform as to
the best course of action to restore ecosystem services and functions efficiently.
Common environmental toxicants
Pesticides - used widely for preventing, destroying, or repelling any organism that may be
considered harmful. Commonly found in commercially grown fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Mould and other mycotoxins.
Phthalates are found in plastic wrap, plastic bottles, and plastic food storage containers.
VOCs (volatile organic compounds) - such as formaldehyde; can be found in drinking water and
sewage systems.
Dioxins are a class of chemical compounds that are formed as a result of combustion processes
such as waste incineration and from burning fuels like wood, coal, and oil.
Asbestos
Heavy metals include arsenic, mercury, lead, aluminium, and cadmium, which are found in fish,
vaccines, and pesticides
Chloroform is used to make other chemicals, Chlorine is commonly found in household cleaners.
Ecotoxicological assessments and testing
The goal of ecotoxicology is to understand the concentration of chemicals at which organisms in the
environment will be affected. To study the possibility that a chemical is toxic, ecotoxicologists usually
start with simple approaches. They progress to more complex approaches only when more accurate
information is needed. This process is referred to as the "tiered-effect process."
As scientists move through the tiers (stages), ecotoxicity data becomes more relevant, but it also
takes more time and resources to obtain the data. Ecotoxicity data is needed in order to reach a
decision about whether the ingredients are safe to use in products. These decisions are made in
the environmental risk assessment.
PRACTICE
a) Answer the questions.
1. Explain the term ecotoxicology.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
2. Name some common environmental toxicants.
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
b) Fill in the missing words.
Ecotoxicology integrates ______________, _______________, chemistry, biochemistry and genetics.
Ecotoxicology is the study of the effects of ______________ on organisms at
the population, community, ecosystem level. All organisms are connected in the ______________. If a
chemical affects some of the organisms, other organisms in the ecosystem may suffer from its
______________ since organisms depend on one another.
The principles of ecotoxicology identify the major classes of _______________________, their
properties, release and environmental fate, transference in ______________, ______________ and along
______________, before considering the effects that they might have upon individual organisms and
ultimately whole ecosystems.
Viri:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecotoxicology
http://www.scienceinthebox.com/ecotoxicity-testing-pg-products
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8O3BVRMO77s/TU94F5oKthI/AAAAAAAAB48/wjKOQyvxY8w/s1600/ecotoxicology.jpg
