主題：The impact of chemical contaminants and pathogens on aquatic ecosystems
報告人：Robert Boesch 研究員 （美國環保署專家）
報告時間：2013年11月5日
報告地點：行政樓2號會議室
報告人簡介：Robert Boesch 研究員，美國環保署（EPA）環境污染管理與控制方面專家，在美國環保署工作36年，主要負責危險廢棄物、農藥等環境污染物項目管理。現為美國夏威夷大學分子生物科學與生物工程系客座教授。
報告內容摘要：
Emerging issues in environmental ecology include new chemical contaminants and pathogens from many causes that may impact ecosystems. For example:
(1) New human drugs are being developed and human waste often contains residues of these drugs. The fate of these drugs in waste disposal systems is not entirely understood. Residues of these drugs may be present in aquatic ecosystems.
(2) Global warming may influence natural pathogens. With higher temperatures over longer periods, some pathogens may become bigger problems. These pathogens can affect people; however study of aquatic ecosystems will be necessary to find out the impact on plant and animal life in aquatic ecosystems.
(3) As civilizations become more urban and suburban, agricultural systems will produce more food in less space. Concentrated animal feeding operations for chickens, pigs and cattle hold many animals in confined conditions, resulting in greater efficiencies, but more use of drugs to prevent disease and more pathogens that may be resistant to drugs. Dealing with the waste from these operations presents a big challenge.
Some of these causes and contaminants will be discussed, as well as sources of information that may assist to identify possible contaminants of concern. Restoring ecosystems may involve the use of chemicals. Thorough evaluation of chemicals should be made to make sure there are no unintended consequences.
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