Summary
Studies how pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, harm organisms and ecosystems.
In depth
Concepts: dose-response, LC50, bioaccumulation, synergistic effects. Pollutants: heavy metals (mercury, lead), pesticides, PCBs, endocrine disruptors. Biomarkers show exposure.
Toxicity tests expose organisms to graded doses. Mixtures can have additive or synergistic effects. Biomarkers include enzyme induction and DNA damage.
Remember: dose makes the poison.
Environmental toxicology studies how chemicals harm organisms and ecosystems. Toxicity depends on dose (the dose makes the poison), exposure route, duration and species sensitivity; tests determine LC50 or LD50, the dose or concentration that kills half of a test population, and no-observed-effect levels.
Pollutants include heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), persistent organic pollutants (PCBs, DDT), pesticides, pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors. Bioaccumulation (build-up in an organism) and biomagnification (increasing up the food chain) put top predators such as eagles, orcas and humans at risk. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring (1962) highlighted DDT's effect on bird eggshells.
Example: mercury in tuna from methylmercury.
Key idea: effects may be subtle, such as altered behaviour or reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is Environmental Toxicology?
Studies how pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, harm organisms and ecosystems.
Which area of biology covers Environmental Toxicology, and how advanced is it?
Environmental Toxicology is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Pollution, Marine Microplastics Biology, Ecological Restoration.
Can you give an example of Environmental Toxicology?
Minamata disease in Japan resulted from mercury poisoning of seafood.
What should I learn before Environmental Toxicology?
Work through the Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology first, such as Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton, then return to Environmental Toxicology. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Environmental Toxicology?
The closest topics to Environmental Toxicology are Pollution, Marine Microplastics Biology, Ecological Restoration, Oil Spills. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Environmental Toxicology?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Environmental Toxicology. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Environmental Toxicology different from Pollution?
Environmental Toxicology: Studies how pollutants, such as heavy metals and pesticides, harm organisms and ecosystems. Pollution: Introduction of harmful substances into air, water or soil, such as plastics and chemicals. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Environmental Toxicology step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Pollution and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.