Biogeochemical Cycles of Anthropogenic Contaminants

Summary

Anthropogenic contaminants are compounds that derive from human activity related to industry, fossil fuel burning, agriculture, sewage and other waste that impact ecosystems through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. These contaminants are sometimes referred to as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) or persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The characteristics of contaminants depend on the chemical composition of the compound, thus the residence time of the compound also depends on its chemical composition. These contaminants may have significant impact on ecosystem dynamics and nutrient cycling based on short time scale and long time scale impacts.