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Eutrophication and contaminants in aquatic ecosystems

Authors :
Rosenberg, Rutger
Skei, Jens
Jonsson, Per
Larsson, Per
Olsson, Mats
Broman, Dag
Source :
AMBIO - A Journal of the Human Environment. Aug2000, Vol. 24 Issue 4/5, p184. 0p.
Publication Year :
2000

Abstract

Eutrophication and persistent pollutants are two of the main environmental problems in European marine and freshwater ecosystems. As theytend to co-occur, interactive processes between eutrophication and contaminants are suggested, that may lead to environmental effects that cannot be predicted from each process alone. In order to predict the consequences of remedial measures (changing the input of organic matter, nutrients and contaminants) it is important to understand mech-anisms that alter the bioavailability and fate of contaminants. The environmental risks will depend on the speciation of contaminants and their association to media and matter and by that means affect exposure. Furthermore, the risks will depend on the mobility of the substances and their pathways in food chains. In 1995, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency initiated a 5-year research program Interactions between EUtrophication and CONtaminants (EUCON). A background document was prepared listing a number of relevant questions and hypotheses. On the basis of this document a program was launched, addressing the prob-lems related to the interaction between eutrophication and contaminants (persistent organic compounds and trace metals) in the marine environment, with focus on the Baltic Sea, and in lakes. This paper summarizes the state-of-the-art, hypotheses and highlights from the research program with emphasis on the implications and applications of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00447447
Volume :
24
Issue :
4/5
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
AMBIO - A Journal of the Human Environment
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
8375486