Speculations about future trends in the field of ecotoxicology

Abstract

Although much is known about the effects of toxicants on single species, not much is known about the effects upon ecosystems that are more than assemblages of individual species. This situation must be addressed because past exponential growth of human populations and continuing exponential growth of national economies will put Earth's natural resources under stresses unprecedented in human history. The mission of ecotoxicologists is to see that no imbalance in the technological and ecological life support system happens, thus facilitating sustainable use of the planet. Ecosystem services will be more dependable if ecosystems are healthy. Both functional and structural attributes are as important for determining the ecosystem's health as they are for human health. Ecotoxicological assessments will be characterized by increases in both temporal and spatial scales. However, laboratory toxicological tests will remain extremely important and essential. Ecotoxicologists must become even more adept at interacting with policymakers who are responsible for societal decisions.