Abstract
The changes in the chemistry of the oceans reported by Dr. Goldberg can be expected to reduce the structure of plant and animal communities according to well-known patterns. The changes in structure will be similar to those observed under conditions of accelerated eutrophication in fresh water lakes. One of the most conspicuous changes involves loss of highly specialized top carnivores; there are ample signs that avian carnivores are disappearing now from oceanic communities. The present losses are due to accumulations of persistent toxic compounds, especially DDT. Evidence suggests that at current rates of use DDT residues will continue to accumulate in the next decades to levels 2 to 3 times current levels, affecting even oceanic fisheries.
Research carried out at Brookhaven National Laboratory under the auspices of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
General References
Hasler, A. D.: 1969, ‘Cultural Eutrophication is Reversible’, Bioscience 19, 425–431.
Woodwell, G. M.: 1967, ‘Radiation and the Patterns of Nature’, Science 156, 461–470.
Woodwell, G. M.: 1967, Toxic Substances and Ecological Cycles’, Scientific American 216, 24–31.
Woodwell, G. M.: 1969, ‘Radioactivity and Fallout: The Model Pollution’, in Proc. of Rockefeller University/N.Y. Botanical Garden Symposium, Challenge for Survival, April 25–26, 1968, Columbia University Press, in press.
Wurster, C. F. and Wingate, D. B.: 1968, ‘DDT Residues and Declining Reproduction in the Bermuda Petrel’, Science 156, 979–981.
For Further Reading
On the significance of pesticides residues to the earth’s biota: a. Miller, M. W. and Berg, G. C. (eds.): Chemical Fallout: Current Research on Persistent Pesticides, Chas. C. Thomas, Publisher, Springfield, Illinois, 531 pp. b. Moore, N. W. (ed.): 1966, J. Applied Ecology 3 (supplement), 155 pp.
On the structure and function of ecosystems: Odum, E. P.: 1970, Fundamentals of Ecology\W. B. Saunders Co., 1970 (3rd edition in press).
On the changes in the structure of natural communities caused by pollution: Woodwell, G. M.: 1970, ‘Effects of Pollution on the Structure and Physiology of Ecosystems’, Science (in press).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1970 D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Woodwell, G.M. (1970). Changes in the Chemistry of the Oceans: The Pattern of Effects. In: Singer, S.F. (eds) Global Effects of Environmental Pollution. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-3290-2_20
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-010-3290-2_20
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
Print ISBN: 978-94-010-3292-6
Online ISBN: 978-94-010-3290-2
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive