There is significant concern about the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils because of both direct and indirect impacts on human and ecosystem health. Knowledge of the fate and distribution of such contamination can lead to an effective assessment of the hazards to soil biota and the need for protective or mitigation activities. This is a particular challenge due to the heterogeneity of the soil matrix and complexity of the processes that determine PTE availability to soil biota. While whole-cell bacterial biosensors have been proposed as tools in enabling greater confidence in addressing such biological and chemical interfaces their genuine value remains to be realised. The underpinning objective of this work was to link the response of microbial biosensors to detailed chemical analysis and to relate the dose response sensitivity to other biological measurements. To better understand the phenomena of PTE bioavailability, the study considered changes in toxicity within the context of ion competition in both freshly amended and historically impacted soils. The interaction of test bacteria with both free (soil pore water) and sorbed (solid phase) fractions of the target analytes (copper, nickel and zinc) has enabled a better estimation of bioavailability/toxicity of PTEs in soils. In comparison to other assays, the responses of the microbial sensor to Cu, Ni and Zn highlighted its relative sensitivity to PTE contamination. The use of luminescence marked microbial sensors complements the performance of rigorous analytical soil chemistry approaches. Their value in soil pollution should be considered a technique that should be interpreted alongside chemical analysis rather than an alternative as their performance in complex environmental matrixes is yet to be validated.

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which humans and ecological receptors are exposed to contaminants in soil or sediment. The concept of bioavailability has recently piqued the interest of the hazardous waste industry as an important consideration in deciding how much waste to clean up. The rationale is that if contaminants in soil and sediment are not bioavailable, then more contaminant mass can be left in place without creating additional risk. A new NRC report notes that the potential for the consideration of bioavailability to influence decision-making is greatest where certain chemical, environmental, and regulatory factors align. The current use of bioavailability in risk assessment and hazardous waste cleanup regulations is demystified, and acceptable tools and models for bioavailability assessment are discussed and ranked according to seven criteria. Finally, the intimate link between bioavailability and bioremediation is explored. The report concludes with suggestions for moving bioavailability forward in the regulatory arena for both soil and sediment cleanup.

Soil Pollution: From Monitoring to Remediation provides comprehensive information on soil pollution, including causes, distribution, transport, the transformation and fate of pollutants in soil, and metabolite accumulation. The book covers organic, inorganic and nanoparticle pollutants and methodologies for their monitoring. Features a critical discussion on ecotoxicological and human effects of soil pollution, and strategies for soil protection and remediation. Meticulously organized, this is an ideal resource for students, researchers and professionals, providing up-to-date foundational content for those already familiar with the field. Chapters are highly accessible, offering an authoritative introduction for non-specialists and undergraduate students alike. Highlights the relevance of soil pollution for a sustainable environment in chapters written by interdisciplinary expert academics and professionals from around the world Includes cases studies of techniques used to monitor soil pollution Includes a chapter on nanoparticles as soil pollutants Offers comprehensive coverage of soil pollution including types and causes

This document presents key messages and the state-of-the-art of soil pollution, its implications on food safety and human health. It aims to set the basis for further discussion during the forthcoming Global Symposium on Soil Pollution (GSOP18), to be held at FAO HQ from May 2nd to 4th 2018. The publication has been reviewed by the Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soil (ITPS) and contributing authors. It addresses scientific evidences on soil pollution and highlights the need to assess the extent of soil pollution globally in order to achieve food safety and sustainable development. This is linked to FAO’s strategic objectives, especially SO1, SO2, SO4 and SO5 because of the crucial role of soils to ensure effective nutrient cycling to produce nutritious and safe food, reduce atmospheric CO2 and N2O concentrations and thus mitigate climate change, develop sustainable soil management practices that enhance agricultural resilience to extreme climate events by reducing soil degradation processes. This document will be a reference material for those interested in learning more about sources and effects of soil pollution.

With its 104 chapters, this Encyclopedia of aquatic ecotoxicology reveals the diversity of issues, problems and challenges that have faced, and are facing today, receiving environments. It also indicates ways by which tools, strategies and future investigations can contribute to correct, minimize, solve and prevent water quality degradation. Structured homogeneously, the chapters convey salient information on historical background, features, characteristics, uses and/or applications of treated topics, often complemented by illustrations and case studies, as well as by conclusions and prospects. This work is most suitable for teaching purposes. Academics, for example, could literally deliver comprehensive lectures to students simply based on chapter outlines and contents. Meet the Authors of the Encyclopedia! Check out 'Meet the Authors' under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Right menu).

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.