How Do Microorganisms Contribute to Environmental Toxicology?
In environmental toxicology, microorganisms are both indicators and mediators of environmental pollution. They can degrade pollutants, thereby reducing environmental toxicity, or they can produce toxins as a response to environmental stressors. For example, certain algal species in aquatic environments can produce harmful algal blooms, releasing toxins that affect aquatic life and human health. Monitoring microbial populations can thus provide valuable insights into the health of ecosystems.
