Review on the effects of toxicants on freshwater ecosystem functions

We reviewed 122 peer-reviewed studies on the effects of organic toxicants and heavy metals on three fundamental ecosystem functions in freshwater ecosystems, i.e. leaf litter breakdown, primary production and community respiration. From each study meeting the inclusion criteria, the concentration resulting in a reduction of at least 20% in an ecosystem function was standardized based on median effect concentrations of standard test organisms (i.e. algae and daphnids). For pesticides, more than one third of observations indicated reductions in ecosystem functions at concentrations that are assumed being protective in regulation. Moreover, the reduction in leaf litter breakdown was more pronounced in the presence of invertebrate decomposers compared to studies where only microorganisms were involved in this function. High variability within and between studies hampered the derivation of a concentration–effect relationship. Hence, if ecosystem functions are to be included as protection goal in chemical risk assessment standardized methods are required. •Quantitative review of 122 studies on effects of toxicants on ecosystem functions.•Variation between studies hampered derivation of concentration–effect relationships.•Adverse effects of pesticide were observed below thresholds corresponding to regulation.•Effects on leaf breakdown were greater when invertebrates were involved. Concentrations assumed as protective in chemical regulation cause adverse effects in three fundamental ecosystem functions.