Marine Ecosystems under Toxic Pressure - Vulnerability of Coastal Ecosystems and Adaptation - page 36

exposure to a stress factor linked to the climate renders an organism
more sensitive to exposure to toxic substances (Figure 1.9, arrow 3),
and (2) exposure to a contaminant renders an organism more
vulnerable to climate changes (Figure 1.9, arrow 4).
Figure 1.9. Combined effects of the impact of global climate change
(GCC) and contaminants on different levels of biological
organization (taken from [MOE 13])
C OMMENTARY ON F IGURE 1.9.- The term “GCC” represents the
climatic factors, such as the temperature and precipitation. The
environmental conditions represent other abiotic factors (for example,
hydrological regimes, UV radiation and concentrations of nutrients).
GCC can affect the transfer and exposure of toxic products directly
(arrow 1) or by means of environmental conditions (arrow 2)
[GOU 13]. Individuals can be affected by GCC due to exposure to
toxic substances and/or other environmental conditions; interactions
between these factors can lead to a sensitivity to toxins caused by the
climate (arrow 3) or a sensitivity to climate change caused by
the contaminant (arrow 4) [HOO 12]. The combined effects of the
contaminants and GCC on the individuals can spread to higher levels
of biological organization (arrows 5 and 6). These transfer processes
in turn can be affected by GCC, directly or indirectly (arrows 7 and 8).
Finally, the properties habitats can influence the responses of
populations and communities to the combined effects of contaminants
and GCC (arrow 9).