Phytotoxins: environmental micropollutants of concern?

Environ Sci Technol. 2014 Nov 18;48(22):13027-33. doi: 10.1021/es504342w. Epub 2014 Oct 30.

Abstract

Natural toxins such as mycotoxins or phytotoxins (bioactive compounds from fungi and plants, respectively) have been widely studied in food and feed, where they are stated to out-compete synthetic chemicals in their overall human and animal toxicological risk. A similar perception and awareness is yet largely missing for environmental safety. This article attempts to raise concern in this regard, by providing (circumstantial) evidence that phytotoxins in particular can be emitted into the environment, where they may contribute to the complex mixture of organic micropollutants. Exposures can be orders-of-magnitude higher in anthropogenically managed/affected (agro-)ecosystems than in the pristine environment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allelopathy
  • Animals
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Pest Control, Biological
  • Risk Reduction Behavior
  • Secondary Metabolism
  • Toxins, Biological / analysis*

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Toxins, Biological