Questions: Which of the following is a source of endocrine disruptors in aquatic ecosystems?
reduced sediment loads
the presence of medications taken by humans
increased rainfall
increased sunlight
Transcript text: Which of the following is a source of endocrine disruptors in aquatic ecosystems?
reduced sediment loads
the presence of medications taken by humans
increased rainfall
increased sunlight
Solution
The answer is the second one: the presence of medications taken by humans.
Explanation for each option:
Reduced sediment loads: This is not typically a source of endocrine disruptors. Sediment loads can affect water quality and habitat but are not directly linked to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The presence of medications taken by humans: Correct. Many medications, such as hormones and pharmaceuticals, can enter aquatic ecosystems through wastewater and are known to act as endocrine disruptors, affecting the hormonal systems of aquatic organisms.
Increased rainfall: While increased rainfall can lead to runoff that may carry pollutants into aquatic systems, it is not a direct source of endocrine disruptors. The disruptors themselves would need to be present in the runoff.
Increased sunlight: Sunlight itself is not a source of endocrine disruptors. It can influence the breakdown of certain chemicals in the environment but does not introduce endocrine-disrupting substances.
In summary, the presence of medications taken by humans is a known source of endocrine disruptors in aquatic ecosystems.