Abstract
Abstract: Humankind is defining a new geological time. The Anthropocene epoch is marked by changes in the geological processes, hydrological regimes, biosphere structure, among other processes, due to human expansion over the landscape worldwide. Biogeochemical cycle’s acceleration, the high load of pollutants in water resources, rampant deforestation, increase in the greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere, eutrophication and biodiversity losses are some indications that reflect human’s pressure over several ecosystems, especially aquatic ones. Therefore, here we reviewed some aspects from a huge anthropogenic influence on ecosystems: water pollution. For decades, humankind has increasingly placed demands on aquatic environments without any concern. As an effect, lakes, rivers, and reservoirs are being globally degraded. Although the interactive effects of future anthropic processes are complex, much of current knowledge suggests that these pressures are likely to increase in magnitude and frequency over the next years. Hence, scientific results need to be articulated in an integrative perspective to expand our understanding of the aquatic resources management. The ecological knowledge generated by scientists must be applied to solve environmental problems enabling human progress sustainably. It is urgent to improve communication and understanding among different sectors of society in favor of water management. Therefore, it will be possible to ensure the preservation of natural resources for future generations by using transdisciplinary tools to understand, mitigate and recover the water resources from these anthropogenic pressures.
Highlights
Human activities have profoundly altered ecosystems worldwide creating a new geological epoch, known as Anthropocene (Griggs et al, 2013; Steffen et al, 2007; Steffen et al, 2011)
The nutrient enrichment, or eutrophication, have greatly increased since the industrial revolution, and human activity has profoundly altered the global cycles of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in aquatic environments (Smith et al, 1999; Vitousek et al, 1997)
The emission and the accumulation of metals in aquatic ecosystems need to be appropriately addressed by society since they affect growth, reproduction and cause genotoxic effects on all life forms depending on their concentrations (Hadjiliadis, 2012; Moore & Ramamoorthy, 2012; Mason, 2013)
Summary
Human activities have profoundly altered ecosystems worldwide creating a new geological epoch, known as Anthropocene (Griggs et al, 2013; Steffen et al, 2007; Steffen et al, 2011). The Anthropocene is divided into three periods: “The Industrial Era (1800 – 1945)”, “The Great Acceleration (1945 – 2015)”, and “Stewards of the Earth System (2015 – ?)” (Steffen et al, 2007). The indications for this new epoch are many, such as population growth, deforestation, changes in biogeochemical cycles, climate and environmental changes, hydrological regimes modifications, increases in greenhouse gases emissions, environmental pollution, biodiversity loss, among others. We have gathered some examples of chemical contamination in the Brazilian aquatic ecosystems through a literature review
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
