Characteristics of ecological risks in ecosystems and their manifestation possibility assessment

Abstract

Environment pollution with ecotoxicants of natural and anthropogenic origin creates risks of negative impact on the state of the environment, the biota of ecosystems, including humans. The study defnes the main sources of ecotoxic pollutants and analyzes the risks that may arise. Based on the ambiguity of the "risk" term defnition, the interpretation of the term is discussed. The approach to defning risk as the probability of certain adverse events or processes taking into account possible consequences is noted. The relationship between environmental risks and the reliability of ecosystems is indicated. Environmental risk assessment is a complex process that involves identifying the likelihood of reversible or irreversible changes in the structure and functions of ecosystems in response to anthropogenic or natural impacts. The quantitative measure of risk as a threat of danger is the product of the probability of an adverse outcome of the event and the expected loss as a result of the event. Considerable attention is paid to the assessment of possible ecological risks for agroecosystems, which are associated with environmental degradation, the impact on human health, and the possible ingress of toxic substances into food products and pet fodder. Ecological risks in agroecosystems arise, in particular, as a result of the use of plant protection products (pesticides), excessive use of agrochemicals. However, the process of risk management in agroecosystems involves the selection and use of risk reduction methods, in particular, the use of measures to regulate the impact of ecotoxicants by limiting, banning the most toxic and preventing pollution. The study of environmental risk is necessary to understand the impact of harmful factors on environmental components. It is emphasized that risk management in agriculture should be aimed at preserving the agroecosystem optimal state and protecting human health. Key words: environmental risk, environment, ecotoxicants, rating, danger, agroecosystem, pesticides.