Bioindicators And Environmental Management

This essential book contains material presented at a September 1990 meeting organized by the Commission for Bioindicators, International Union for Biological Sciences.**A key role of the Commission for Bioindicators (IUBS) is to promote the use of bioindicators in environmental management. This means encouraging the transfer of ideas regarding potential bioindicators, and originating in laboratories, into the harsher realities of field environmental monitoring. Although the concept of biomonitoring is ancient, its application to current monitoring problems is relatively slow to develop.**In a bid to rectify this problem, this invaluable book brings together and discusses approaches developed around the world. It will provide both environmental administrators and research scientists with a valuable sense of proportion of the state of the art in their particular field. Bioindicators and Environmental Management is organized into four sections Bioindicators, industry, and administration Biomonitoring of the Chernobyl accident Monitoring long-term/large-scale environmental trends Basic research in biomonitoring

Table of contents

This book provides comprehensive single source coverage of bioindication/biomonitoring in the fields of ecology, ecotoxicology and environmental sciences; from the ecological basics to the effects of chemicals on the environment and the latest test strategies. Contributions by leading figures in ecology from around the world reflect the broad scope of current thinking and research, making this volume essential reading for informed professionals and students.

Integrating research into freshwater biodiversity and the role of keystone species, this fascinating book presents freshwater crayfish as representatives of human-exacerbated threats to biodiversity and conservation. It uses examples from these and other large decapod invertebrates to explore how communities function and are controlled, alongside the implications of human demands and conflicts over limited resources, notably the severe impacts on biodiversity. The discussion is structured around three key topics – the present situation of crayfish in world freshwater ecosystems, the applications of science to conservation management and knowledge transfer for successful crayfish management. It outlines the historic exploitation of crayfish, addressing the problems caused by invasive alien forms and explaining the importance of correct identification when dealing with conservation issues. Offering a global perspective on freshwater systems, the book ultimately highlights how the conservation of such large and long-lived species will help protect ecosystem quality in the future.

Provides the reader with an overview of the variety of animal and plants that are available for use as environmental monitors. The author emphasizes that the use of a single species of target bioindicator is not appropriate or scientifically sound for the monitoring of several toxic pollutants.