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

• Published in: Bulletin 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
• Language: English
• 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
• ISSN: 0012-9623

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.