Introduction to Ecotoxicology (PDF)

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.