Ecotoxicological Impacts on Some Indian Ecosystems

Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary field of study, intending to integrate both ecological and toxicological effects of pollutants and contaminants on living organisms, populations and communities within the defined ecosystems. Ecotoxicological studies on Indian ecosystems are fragmentary and scattered although this country is very rich in ecodiversity and biodiversity. Based on major habitat classification as well as on geographical and geological features 10 ecosystems are recognised in India. These are forests (16 types), grasslands (5 types), deserts (3 types), wetlands (10 types), mangroves, coral reefs, marine, mountains, islands and ocean. However, for the convenience of assessing ecotoxicological impacts, Indian ecosystems are grouped under two broad categories, viz., aquatic and terrestrial. For assessing ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic ecosystems of this country those of the river Ganga were analysed, as an example, with additional dealings on marine ecosystems. Prime sources of pollutants and toxicants on these ecosystems, viz., industrial emissions, municipal effluents and agricultural run off and their impacts on aquatic communities are discussed. Ecotoxicological impacts on terrestrial ecosystems are also dealt with in similar fashion with special reference to high altitude ecosystems. Need for future research on this aspect is highlighted in the concluding remarks of this communication.