Hans Dahms*

ABSTRACT

Environmental toxicology is an interdisciplinary field that investigates how chemical, physical, and biological agents adversely affect living organisms and ecosystems. Within this field, ecotoxicology focuses specifically on the effects of pollutants at the population and ecosystem level. Organisms may encounter toxicants at various life stages, with sensitivity differing depending on age or developmental stage. Moreover, an organism’s position in the food chain can influence its susceptibility to toxins, as substances can accumulate in tissues over time, leading to biomagnification across trophic levels. Biodegradation processes, which naturally break down pollutants into carbon dioxide and water, are often restricted in areas heavily contaminated by industrial or agricultural activity [1-3]. Exposure to toxic substances—including industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers—can reduce species richness and abundance, destabilize populations, and impair ecosystem functioning. Understanding the pathways and effects of environmental contaminants is critical to protecting both biodiversity and human health [4].