We all know that when the pollution load is very big, both the structure (i.e. invertebrate abundance and structure in freshwater ecosystem) and process (i.e. rate of leaf litter breakdown or periphyton accrual) of ecosystem will be greatly affected. However, if there is constant but limited pollution into the water body (i.e. the load is within its self - purification capacity), will the ecosystem still be affected? If so, why?
Quite an interesting question. If the load is within the ecosystem's capacity to self-purify, then I think that does it. The danger here is the 'constant pollution'. How far can the ecosystem continue to sustain itself if the pollution is at a constant rate? In any case, I think the Ecosystem will be affected since resources/energy would be expended in the self-purification process.
Eggs & larval stages of delicate forms in the ecosystem will be effected,to the extent they would disappear,be deformed,growth rate could be less leading to lower biomass.Though the spores of plants could survive in the system,but the germlings would die under the circumstances in spite of having favorable the rest of the abiotic factors. It could also result in nil availability of microscopic plants in the vegetative phase,leading to loss in primary productivity. If the pollutant still persists, bioaccumulation would result in lowering the immunity of higher forms,again effecting the biomass.
It's quite interesting question, constant and limited pollution in an ecosystem!!! definitely affect. However, we should understand what type of structural pollutants are available in that ecosystem. Whether they are degradable or non degradable/organic, inorganic, synthetic etc?.
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