Aquatic & Terrestrial Pollution

Plankton, shellfish, small fish species that feed on plankton/shellfish, seabirds that prey upon small fish.

Saltwater crocodiles as apex predators without considering lower-level effects.

A single species analysis focusing solely on large predatory sharks' tissue samples.

Coral reefs exclusively since they are foundational but do not reflect bioaccumulation up tropic levels adequately by themselves.

Effects like cost-benefit analyses tend toward underestimating their broad environmental impacts.

The widespread use across multiple industries makes pinpoint source identification challenging.

Information is typically easy given their limited commercial applications.

Expensive toxicological testing and research is yet to be conducted on all known endocrine disruptors.

Dioxins

Phytoestrogens

PCB

Triclosan

Altered fish reproduction could lead to decreased predator populations higher up the food chain.

Improved water quality as endocrine disruptors stimulate microbial degradation processes.

No change in trophic cascade dynamics since only top predators are affected by such chemicals.

Increased plant growth due to less herbivory by compromised fish species at lower trophic levels.

Atmospheric deposition

Thermal expansion of water

Industrial discharge

Natural spring overflow

Enhanced human health outcomes due to diminished exposure levels over subsequent generations.

Significant drop-in employment rates within chemical industries due to abrupt regulatory changes leading immediately to factory closures.

Increase inflow of foreign investment into renewable energy sectors given stricter chemical regulations deterring potential investors.

Correction of ozone layer depletion since banned substances also include ozone-depleting agents aside from being endocrine disruptors.

Bisphenol A (BPA)

Sodium chloride (table salt)

Calcium carbonate (limestone)

Glucose (sugar)

Medicinal drugs

Natural water sources

Industrial waste sites

Plastic items, foods, and pesticides

Prey species become more abundant due to increased mutation rates.

Tertiary consumers evolve rapidly to become resistant to pollutants.

Immediate cessation of energy transfer from lower trophic levels occurs.

Bioaccumulation may lead to disruptions in growth patterns and behaviors.

Plant species will evolve more rapidly due to increased mutation rates from chemicals.

Predators will shift their diet preferences towards unaffected prey species exclusively.

Organisms less sensitive to endocrine disruption may have increased survival and reproduction rates.

Decomposers will become dominant, as they are immune to chemical pollutants entirely.