What are Watersheds and Why are They Important in Toxicology?
Watersheds are land areas where all the water under it or draining off of it collects at a common point, such as a river, lake, or ocean. They are crucial in toxicology because pollutants introduced into a watershed can affect the entire ecosystem. Agricultural runoff, urban runoff, and industrial discharges can introduce toxic substances into these watersheds. These chemicals can then accumulate in the food chain, leading to adverse health effects in both wildlife and humans.