Ecological Biomarkers

Does a change, which affects a few biological macro-molecules, some cells, or a few individuals within a population, have any ecological significance that would allow the prediction of deleterious effects at higher levels of biological organization, namely the population, community, and ultimately the ecosystem? With contributions from experts in t

Biological markers used to assess the effects of environmental pollution have attracted considerable attention from regulatory agencies and are currently under evaluation at a number of research facilities throughout the world. However promising a biomarker-based biomonitoring approach may be, the development of this concept is complicated by a range of technical issues. This book provides a conceptional framework for research and application of biomarkers. International experts on biomonitoring have formulated a unified strategy for the development and validation of biomarkers in assessing environmental health as well as appropriate protocols for their implementation and interpretation in a biological monitoring program.

How can biological markers help assess and predict human health risks? Find out the answers to this question and others in this timely new book examining the use of biological markers in animals and plants for evaluating the ecological and health effects of environmental contamination. The book explains the concept of environmental sentinels, presents example of field studies and discusses the utility of biomarkers within a risk analysis paradigm. Anyone who needs to know how to assess and predict environmental contamination should consider this book essential reading.

This work is primarily designed for any person or organization in charge of assessment of the quality of natural resources and of pollution prevention.

How can biological markers help assess and predict human health risks? Find out the answers to this question and others in this timely new book examining the use of biological markers in animals and plants for evaluating the ecological and health effects of environmental contamination. The book explains the concept of environmental sentinels, presents example of field studies and discusses the utility of biomarkers within a risk analysis paradigm. Anyone who needs to know how to assess and predict environmental contamination should consider this book essential reading.

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.

Monitoring the environment is absolutely essential if we are to identify hazards to human health, to assess environmental cleanup efforts, and to prevent further degradation of the ecosystem. Biomonitors and biomarkers combined with chemical monitoring offer the only approach to making these assessments. Based on an International Association of Great Lakes Research conference, this book is intended for researchers who want to incorporate new and different technologies in their development of specifically-crafted monitors; students who are learning the field of biomonitoring; and regulatory agencies that want to consider newer technologies to replace inadequate and less powerful test regimes.

Many areas of Eastern Europe have been polluted to an extent unknown in the West. Four such sites - Kola Peninsula, northern Bohemia, upper Vistula Basin, and Katowice - have been identified and detailed accounts of the pollution at these sites are given. The current status of the use of biomarkers in hazard assessment is given by several scientists from NATO countries. Four working groups, comprising scientists working on the polluted sites and western scientists with expertise in biomarkers, examine the use of biomarkers to assess the environmental health of each of these areas and make recommendations on the future direction of remedial action in these areas.