Aquatic Insects Transfer Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disruptors from Aquatic to Terrestrial Ecosystems

A wide range of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds enter freshwaters globally. As these contaminants are transported through aquatic food webs, understanding their impacts on both terrestrial ecosystems remains a major challenge. Here, we provide the first direct evidence transfer disruptors aquatic-terrestrial habitat linkage by emerging insects. We also show that type insect metamorphosis feeding behavior determine bioaccumulation patterns contaminants. Adult Trichoptera, an important source for riparian predators, showed increased body burden disruptors. This implies such as spiders, birds, bats, exposed to mixtures origin, which may impact physiology population dynamics. Overall, our study provides valuable insights into trophic cross-ecosystem contaminants, from primary producers predators.