Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology, Third Edition

Each year ecotoxicological problems become increasingly complex and encompass broader spatial and temporal scales. Our practical understanding must evolve accordingly to maintain an acceptable quality of life. Fully revised and expanded to reflect new developments, the third edition of Fundamentals of Ecotoxicology provides a broad overview of the field that ranges from molecular to global issues. New in the third edition: Revised chapter on contaminant types and sources Expanded by 100 pages beyond the second edition More integration of contaminant sources and fate Color graphics including fifteen color insert images New vignettes contributed by international experts Appendices describing current Chinese and Australian legislation in addition to U.S. and EU legislation The text details key environmental contaminants, explores their fates in the biosphere, and discusses bioaccumulation and the effects of contaminants at increasing levels of ecological organization. It also covers regulatory aspects of the field and discusses key Australian, U.S., European, and Chinese legislation and policies. Vignettes written by experts illustrate key themes or highlight especially pertinent examples. Instructors can present the core concepts of each chapter and use the vignettes for student-lead discussions. The time has passed when it was sufficient for the ecotoxicologist to focus only on new human toxicants as they appear and then explore how they impact nonhuman species. Keeping this in mind, the textbook extends the discussion of ecotoxicants beyond the conventional ecosystem to include landscape, regional, and biospheric topics. This extension imparts a perspective as encompassing as the problems facing us today.

Table of Contents:
GENERAL Introduction Historical Need for Ecotoxicology Current Need for Ecotoxicology Expertise Ecotoxicology Ecotoxicology: A Synthetic Science Summary Suggested Readings Major Classes of Contaminants Introduction Major Classes of Contaminants Summary Background Chemistry Concepts and Definitions BIOACCUMULATION Uptake, Biotransformation, Detoxifi cation, Elimination, and Accumulation Introduction Biotransformation and Detoxification Elimination Summary Suggested Readings Factors Influencing Bioaccumulation Introduction Chemical Qualities Influencing Bioavailability Biological Qualities Influencing Bioaccumulation Summary Bioaccumulation from Food and Trophic Transfer Introduction Quantifying Bioaccumulation from Food Inorganic Contaminants Organic Compounds Summary TOXICANT EFFECTS Molecular Effects and Biomarkers Introduction Organic Compound Detoxification Stress Proteins Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Response DNA Modification Enzyme Dysfunction and Substrate Pool Shifts Cells, Tissues, and Organs Introduction General Cytotoxicity and Histopathology Gene and Chromosome Damage Cancer Gills as an Example Liver as an Example Summary Sublethal Effects to Individuals Selyean Stress Growth Development Physiology Immunology Detecting Sublethal Effects Summary Acute and Chronic Lethal Effects to Individuals General Dose-Response Survival Time Factors Influencing Lethality Summary Effects on Populations Epidemiology Population Dynamics and Demography Population Genetics Effects on Communities and Ecosystems Interactions Involving Two or a Few Species Ecosystem Qualities Summary Landscape to Global Effects General Continents and Hemispheres Biosphere Summary RISK FROM TOXICANTS Risk Assessment of Contaminants Overview Human Risk Assessment Ecological Risk Assessment Radiation Risk Assessment Conclusion SUMMARY Conclusions Overview Practical Importance of Ecotoxicology Scientific Importance of Ecotoxicology Study Questions Glossary Appendix 1. International System (SI) of Units Prefixes Appendix 2. Miscellaneous Conversion Factors Appendix 3. Summary of U.S. Laws and Regulations Appendix 4. Summary of European Union Laws and Regulations Appendix 5. Summary of Modern Environmental Laws and Regulations of China Appendix 6. Regulation and Management of Chemicals in Australia Appendix 7. Derivation of Units for Simple Bioaccumulation Models Appendix 8. Equations for the Estimation of Exposure References Index

About the Author :
Michael C. Newman, is a professor at the College of William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.