Second in our Ecotoxicology series, this book presents a timely discussion of theoretical and practical issues involved in the study of ecotoxicology. By concentrating on the key issues, the book provides an exciting introduction for those new to ecotoxicology while stimulating veterans in the field into lively debate.

Pollution and its control are now one of the most serious problems in environmental management, affecting localized areas, regions, and, increasingly, the entire ecosphere. Chemistry and Ecotoxicology of Pollution provides a basic understanding of the chemical, toxicological, and ecological factors involved when major classes of pollutants act on natural systems. The nature and effects of these pollutants are examined from the primary level of their sources and chemical properties, through their interactions in the environment, to their ultimate ecological effects on organisms and ecosystems. Pollutants are divided into groups, with similar properties, and then the chemistry and ecotoxicology of each group is defined. More importantly, in collating and evaluating available information on pollution processes, the book develops unifying theories on the fundamental chemical and ecological nature of pollution processes. The book uses a conceptual framework to evaluate the impact of pollutants on the components and functions of natural ecosystems. It is based on the chemical and physical properties of a pollutant, its environmental behavior and fate, exposure to and toxic effects on organisms, their populations, communities, and responses of affected ecosystems. This sequence can be applied to known, potential, and emerging pollutants of concern. As government initiatives for the control of chemicals take greater effects, pollution research, particularly in ecotoxicology, will be further developed. Chemistry and Ecotoxicology of Pollution helps play an important role in determining the future direction of research activities in environmental management and pollution control on a worldwide scale. It is a basic resource for students (e.g. environmental chemistry, ecology, land and water management, environmental or public health, environmental engineering, and sustainability science), scientists, researchers, policy makers, and professionals in need of a clear understanding of the nature and effects of environmental pollution from an ecological perspective.

A unique presentation that unifies the field, this book brings together concepts and information about contaminant effects at all levels of the biological hierarchy. Beginning at the biomolecular level, this book builds progressively toward a discussion of effects to the global biosphere. Emphasizing ecological components and fundamental paradigms, the authors strike a balance between the presentation of details relevant at each level and the integration of phenomena and processes among levels. A milestone in the field, the book is suitable for graduate courses, as well as a reference for professionals in the field.

Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Theory and Practice assembles the expertise of more than fifty authorities from fifteen different fields, forming a comprehensive reference and textbook on risk assessment. Containing two dozen case studies of environmental or human health risk assessments, the text not only presents the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline, but also serves as a complete handbook and "how-to" guide for individuals conducting or interpreting risk assessments. In addition, more than 4,000 published papers and books in the field are cited. Editor Dennis Paustenbach has assembled chapters that present the most current methods for conducting hazard identification, dose-response and exposure assessment, and risk characterization components for risk assessments of any chemical hazard to humans or wildlife (fish, birds, and terrestrials). Topics addressed include hazards posed by: Air emissions Radiological hazards Contaminated soil and foods Agricultural hazards Occupational hazards Consumer products and water Hazardous waste sites Contaminated air and water The bringing together of so many of the world's authorities on these topics, plus the comprehensive nature of the text, promises to make Human and Ecological Risk Assessment the text against which others will be measured in the coming years.

Soils are receptacles for a wide range of hazardous chemicals generated by human activities. Whether or not this contamination is deliberate, accurate toxicity assessments are important for health and economic reasons. Soil Ecotoxicology discusses the sources, fate, and transport of hazardous chemicals in soils. The fate (biodegradation and modeling) and the potential impacts of pesticides on soil ecosystems are emphasized, and methodologies for performing toxicity assessments are provided.

Chemical Warfare in Nature Pesticides and other industrial chemicals are at the root of many pollution problems. In view of the toxic effects of industrial chemicals found in the water, soil, and air, Ecotoxicology: Effects of Pollutants on the Natural Environment considers the impact of chemicals on the environment from a wider perspective: the evolution of plant toxins—and defense mechanisms against them in animals as a consequence of plant–animal warfare. Comparisons are made between this and the development of resistance by insects towards man-made insecticides. Pesticides and Drugs The text focuses particularly on problems posed by pesticides and, to a lesser extent, by drugs. This material specifically addresses the problems that pesticides pose and explores the development of resistance to them. It focuses on the history of pesticides, pesticide selectivity between target species and beneficial organisms, and types of pesticides. It discusses mandatory ecotoxicity testing as part of the process of risk assessment of environmental chemicals. The text considers the effects of pollutants at the population level, with respect to changes in numbers and genetic composition. It factors in the sublethal effects of pollutants on population levels, and cites an increase in the concentration of persistent pollutants in natural food chains as a cause of the decline of certain vertebrate predators. Overall the text: • Considers plant toxins as models for pesticides • Emphasizes principles illustrated with practical examples • Includes a glossary of terms Divided into three sections, this text uses a variety of examples and case studies to examine the effects of pollutants—including naturally occurring ones—on natural processes. It guides the reader through the basic issues and principles; outlines the science of ecotoxicology, which is the study of the effects of chemicals upon ecosystems; and introduces various strategies for pollution control.

Ecotoxicology offers an overview of current ecotoxicological problems. It includes basic ecotoxicological concepts, as well as information about chemicals and toxic substances that may cause harmful effects on the ecosystem and its living components. The book, with a total of 48 chapters, is divided into three parts. The first part includes the basic concepts of ecotoxicology, starting with an introductory chapter on ecotoxicology as a subdiscipline of ecology; assessment on ecotoxicological effects and risk; and properties and effects of toxic chemicals. These topics are further discussed throughout the book, along with nomenclature, focal topics, and the history of ecotoxicology. The two remaining parts tackle harmful properties and harmful chemicals. The second part also covers bioaccumulation, bioavailability, biodegradability, biodegradation, and biomagnification. It also provides models for ecotoxicological populations, ecosystems and landscapes, and on food-web bioaccumulation. Chemicals including benzene, copper, lead, nitrogen, phenols, pheromones, phthalates, plutonium, and uranium are covered in separate chapters in the final part. This book will be of great value to ecologists, ecotoxicologists, and environmental managers. - Provides an overview of the theory and application of global ecology - International focus and range of ecosystems makes Ecotoxicology an indispensable resource to scientists - Based on the bestselling Encyclopedia of Ecology - Full-color figures and tables support the text and aid in understanding