Contaminants may affect ecosystem functioning by reducing the fitness of organisms and these impacts may cascade through ecosystems, particularly if the sensitive organisms are also habitat-forming species. Mariana Mayer-Pinto discusses how sub-lethal effects of toxicants can affect the quality and functions of biogenic habitats and why this is critical if we are to establish effective guidelines for protecting ecosystems.

Image courtesy of interviewee. August 25, 2021