Predicting ecosystem sensitivity to contaminants: Ecosystem constraints and toxicant mode of action

In order to predict indirect effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to consider the interaction of the contaminant with the constraints limiting pertinent system processes. Because constraints change over time, systems that appear to be similar can respond differently to the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inBulletin of the Ecological Society of America; (United States) Vol. 74:2
Main Authors Sierszen, M.E., Stay, F.S., Bartell, S.M.
Format Conference Proceeding
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.06.1993
Subjects
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION
ECOSYSTEMS 560300 > Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
FORECASTING
POLLUTANTS
RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT
SENSITIVITY
TIME DEPENDENCE
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Summary:In order to predict indirect effects of contaminants on aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to consider the interaction of the contaminant with the constraints limiting pertinent system processes. Because constraints change over time, systems that appear to be similar can respond differently to the same perturbation. We suggest that an ecosystem component will be more sensitive to stressors that affect dominant constraints than it will be to stressors that impact factors not currently limiting. Predicting the sensitivity of systems to contaminants requires knowledge of the natural pattern or succession of ecosystem constraints and the ecological mode of action of contaminants.
Bibliography:CONF-930798--
None
ISSN:0012-9623
2327-6096