Evolution of biogeochemical cycles under anthropogenic loads: Limits impacts

详细

Human activities pathogenically modify biogeochemical cycles via introducing vast amounts of chemical elements and compounds into biotic cycles and inducing evolutionary transformations of the organic world of the biosphere. The adverse phenomena develop cascadewise, as is illustrated by the increase in the content of carbon dioxide and acid-forming compounds, enrichment of aquatic environments by metals, and pollution with persistent organic pollutants and biogenic elements. Analogies with the past are utilized to estimate the possible implications of the evolution of anthropogenically induced processes. The organic world is proved to react to anthropogenic impacts by means of active microevolutionary processes. The key reaction mechanisms of organisms and transformations of populations and ecosystems under the modified conditions are demonstrated. A review of literature data is used to show how anthropogenic emissions of CO₂, NO_x, P, toxic compounds and elements increases on a global scale, and how ocean acidification, eutrophication, water withdrawal, etc. are simultaneously enhanced. The methodology of estimating anthropogenic loads is discussed as a scientifically grounded strategy of minimizing anthropogenic impacts on natural ecosystems.