Infodisruption: Pollutants interfering with the natural chemical information conveyance in aquatic systems

Infodisruption is a widespread phenomenon in aquatic systems, which can be caused by all kind of anthropogenic activities that change the chemical environment in which the organisms live. The chemicals that transfer information between organisms may be considered metabolic products that leak to the environment and incidentally convey information. These compounds are referred to as infochemicals, which are chemicals that convey information between two organisms, evoking in the receiving organism a behavioural or physiological response that is adaptively favourable to one or both organisms. This chapter discusses how infochemicals influence the temporal and spatial distribution of organisms, creating a tight connection between the information network and food web functioning.