Ecotoxicity, the subject of study in the field of ecotoxicology (a portmanteau of ecology and toxicology), refers to the biological, chemical or physical stressors that affect ecosystems. Such stressors can occur in the natural environment at densities, concentrations, or levels high enough to disrupt natural biochemical and physiological behavior and interactions. This ultimately affects all living organisms that comprise an ecosystem.
Ecotoxicology has been defined as a branch of toxicology that focuses on the study of toxic effects, caused by natural or synthetic pollutants. These pollutants affect animals (including humans), vegetation, and microbes, in an intrinsic way.[1]
- ^ Truhaut R (1977). "Eco-Toxicology – Objectives, Principles and Perspectives". Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety. 1 (2): 151–173. Bibcode:1977EcoES...1..151T. doi:10.1016/0147-6513(77)90033-1. PMID 617089.