ECOTOXICOLOGY: UNDERSTANDING TOXIC EFFECTS OF POLLUTANTS ON ECOSYSTEMS

Ecotoxicology is a multidisciplinary scientific field focused on assessing the effects of natural and synthetic contaminants on ecosystems, ranging from molecular to ecosystem levels. By integrating principles from toxicology and ecology, ecotoxicologists study how pollutants move through environments (air, water, soil), how organisms are exposed, and how adverse effects propagate through food webs. This article reviews the core concepts of ecotoxicology, including sources and pathways of pollutants, biological responses at multiple levels, and emerging challenges in ecological risk assessment. Highlighting the importance of ecotoxicology in conservation and public health, this review underscores the necessity of monitoring and managing environmental contaminants to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.