AbstractThe term wetlands refers to a mosaic of important ecosystems that typically form transition zones between uplands and aquatic environments. These areas provide support functions for natural and living resources and mediate biogeochemical transformations of global significance. It is becoming clear that the introduction of toxic and other contaminants to large wetland areas has contributed to a series of undesirable trends in habitat quality; availability of valuable fish and wildlife; and quality of associated resources, including surface and ground waters. The purpose of this review is to indicate the importance of wetlands to regional and global ecology and discusses research on the effects of contaminants in wetland ecosystems. Areas of needed future research also are suggested.
展开▼
