Ecotoxicology Around The Globe

In Ecotoxicology: A Hierarchical Treatment, 20 recognized experts from around the world identify and present the fundamental concepts of ecotoxicology at the biological level central to their own research. Superbly organized, the book proceeds sequentially by chapter from the chemical to cellular to the ecosystem level, making it easy to read, understand, and use. Specifically, each author identifies important hypotheses, paradigms, "false" paradigms, or new techniques in his or her research area. As a result, this book is a stimulating progressive treatment of ecotoxicology at all levels of organization. Each chapter draws mechanistic interpretation from the next lower level and attempts to predict effects at the next higher level. This innovative approach underscores ecotoxicology's potential for development into a new discipline and makes Ecotoxicology: A Hierarchical Treatment the definitive reference at this crucial juncture.

A fresh and comprehensive overview of ecotoxicology today This book provides comprehensive single-source coverage of the entire field of ecotoxicology, from the ecological basics to the effects of chemicals on the environment and the latest test strategies. Contributions by leading figures in ecotoxicology from around the world reflect the broad scope of current thinking and research, making this volume essential reading for informed professionals and students. Areas covered include: * Ecosystem sensitivity, principles for analysis, and other fundamentals * Fate, distribution, and speciation of chemicals in the environment * Bioaccumulation and effects of chemicals * Ecotoxicological test systems * Concepts of ecological risk assessment Incorporating numerous examples and case studies, this cutting-edge reference is an invaluable resource for those working in environmental toxicology, chemistry, ecology, medicine, engineering, and other related disciplines.

Ecotoxicology offers a comprehensive overview of the science underpinning the recognition and management of environmental contamination. It describes the toxicology of environmental contaminants, the methods used for assessing their toxicity and ecological impacts, and approaches employed to mitigate pollution and ecological health risks globally. Chapters cover the latest advances in research, including genomics, natural toxins, endocrine disruption and the toxicology of radioactive substances. The second half of the book focuses on applications, such as cradle-to-grave effects of selected industries, legal and economic approaches to environmental regulation, ecological risk assessment, and contaminated site remediation. With short capsules written by invited experts, numerous case studies from around the world and further reading lists, this textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate one-semester courses. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students and professionals. Online resources for instructors and students are also available.

The sources, distribution, toxicity and management of environmental contaminants, from molecular interactions to ecological effects.

This book presents an integrated discussion on ecotoxicology, containing both general concepts and specific ecotoxicological issues of major biological groups, extending beyond conventional systems. It explores worldwide, regional, and biocompartmentalized topics, bringing forth new points of view on global issues and addressing the increasing diversity and complexity of the ecotoxicological field. It also contains novel information on emerging contaminants, presents bioaccumulation effects on different levels of ecological organization and risk analyses, and discusses novel fields of methodological applications, including key aspects in ecotoxicological and environmental monitoring studies.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), or polyarenes, are one of the largest and most structurally diverse class of organic molecules known. High percentages of polyarenes, representing a wide range of molecular sizes and structural types, are present in coal tars and petroleum residues. The major sources of PAHs are crude oil, coal and oil shale. The fuels produced from these fossil sources constitute the primary source of energy for the industrial nations of the world, and the petrochemicals from these raw materials are the basis of the synthetic fibre and plastics industries. PAHs are however, widespread pollutants and their impact on the environment and human health must be monitored and controlled. This book will review and assess our scientific understanding of the ecological exposure and effects PAHs have in different environments and habitats. It will accomplish this by taking the recipients of the pollution in the environment as starting points and working its way back through pathways to access what is required for our understanding of effects and rationale for control. Although this book will concentrate on ecological exposure of PAHs, the general impacts of PAHs on human populations will be touched upon. It is thought to be the first book to focus on the ecological aspects of PAHs.

Environmental pollution is one of the most serious threats to the future health of our planet. A wide and ever increasing range of chemicals from industry, agriculture, medicine and a host of other sources continue to contribute to the earth's chemical load. Governments have encountered great difficulties responding to the crucial and immediate need for effective management. As a result, the new science of ecotoxicology has developed, which provides a broad conceptual framework for evaluating the effects of chemicals in natural ecosystems. This book is aimed principally at undergraduate students who have completed basic courses in both chemistry and biology. It takes a broad view of ecotoxicology starting with the nature, properties and behaviour of environmental toxicants, and extends to dose/response relationships and effects on organisms, populations, communities and ecosystems. Importantly, it also addresses environmental management areas such as biomarkers, biomonitoring, ecological risk assessment and the ecotoxicology and management of chemicals. The book provides an invaluable overview of the subject for students taking courses in ecotoxicology and environmental pollution, as well as wider degree programmes in biology, ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, environmental impact assessment, toxicology, pollution, chemical engineering, civil engineering, sanitation engineering and related subjects.