Ecotoxicology and Ecosystem Health

Study Notes

Ecosystem Health

Ecotoxicology is the study of the effects of toxic substances on the environment, focusing on the health of ecosystems.
Ecosystem health is a key concept in ecotoxicology, referring to the ability of an ecosystem to maintain its structure and function over time.
Indicators of ecosystem health include:
- Biodiversity
- Population dynamics
- Community structure
- Ecosystem processes (e.g. nutrient cycling, decomposition)
- Water and air quality
Ecotoxicologists use a holistic approach to assess ecosystem health, considering the interactions between abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components.

Historical Development

Ecotoxicology emerged as a distinct field of study in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by concerns about the environmental impact of pesticides and other chemicals.
Key milestones in the development of ecotoxicology include:
1. Silent Spring (1962): Rachel Carson's book highlighted the effects of pesticides on the environment and sparked public awareness of ecotoxicology.
2. Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (1976): The US legislation established guidelines for the regulation of toxic substances.
3. Ecotoxicology as a discipline (1980s): The field became more formalized, with the establishment of research programs, conferences, and journals.
4. OECD guidelines (1980s-1990s): The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) developed guidelines for testing and assessing the environmental fate and effects of chemicals.
The development of ecotoxicology has been influenced by advances in fields such as ecology, toxicology, and environmental chemistry.

Description

Esta prueba evalúa tu conocimiento sobre la ecotoxicología y la salud de los ecosistemas, incluyendo la historia del campo, los indicadores de la salud de los ecosistemas y la evaluación de la salud de los ecosistemas.