What Are the Common Pollutants in Aquatic Environments?
Common pollutants include heavy metals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and industrial chemicals. Heavy metals like mercury and lead can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Pesticides may disrupt endocrine systems, while pharmaceuticals can alter behavior and physiology. Industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persist in the environment, posing long-term risks.
