Ecotoxicological effect of landfill leachates on mediterraneam plants

Abstract

Tbe contaminant variables, site-specific factors and exposure patbways are the tbree priowy compooents that determine ecological significance and the risk of contaminants in tbe environment. Tbe interaction of all three aspects results in ecologically significant effects. Among tbe contaminant materials tbe UJban wastes produced by buman beings bave botb pbysical and cbemical properties; it is tbe interaction of tbese witb tbe ecosystems- tbat defines tbe problem set by any waste, botb in quality and quantity. Tbe urban wastes may be naturaUy occurring materials, but released into tbe environment at bigber tban normal levels, they may spread into ecosystems and may cause poUution. Tbeir immediate effects are c1early vecy important. Tbey can only be assessed by careful expe:rimentation in relation to tbe affected organisms.