This text coherently links biochemical fundamentals and mechanisms with economic and societal problems of environmental pollution. It addresses interdisciplinary topics such as regulatory problems, sampling and pollutant quantifi cation, model organisms and provides a philosophical perspective on the toxin load on a variety of organisms, including humans in the environment in the Anthropocene. Case studies and exercises illustrate current issues and discuss future aspects.
Mercury is a toxic global contaminant that is transported through the atmosphere, is deposited in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and concentrates up the food chain, reaching levels that can harm both humans and wildlife. This book reports the latest findings describing the distribution, deposition, and measurement of this airborne pollutant as well as the human and environmental impacts of artisanal mining of mercury and gold. The research originates from around the world and highlights the importance of atmospheric mercury research and the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions of mercury.
The Coal Handbook: Towards Cleaner Coal Utilization, Volume Two, Second Edition provides authoritative insights on a variety of case studies to help the reader identify the most appropriate technologies to take coal, and its associated by-products, into a cleaner environment, one with integrated energy systems. Editor Dave Osborne and his team of expert contributors combine their expertise to highlight the future direction of coal utilization towards more efficient and clean use of coal. Key emerging topics such as the cleanest ways to deal with coal waste and emission reduction are covered alongside a selection of case studies from various countries.This edition includes two brand new chapters on technology variants and systems, including hybrid systems and advanced CO2 abatement strategies. With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, this book is a comprehensive and invaluable resource for professionals in the coal mining, preparation and utilization industry. - Reflects the latest knowledge on the social and economic value of coal, emissions from coal utilization, and the handling, impact and utilization of coal waste - Explores emerging and future issues around industrial coal utilization, with a strong focus on sustainability - Highlights coal resources, production and uses in established markets such as the USA and Europe, as well as emerging markets in Brazil, the Russian Federation, India, Indonesia and China - Includes two brand new chapters on Hybrid Technologies and Advanced CO2 Abatement Strategies
The oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface, and are critical components of Earth’s climate system. This new edition of Encyclopedia of Ocean Sciences, Six Volume Set summarizes the breadth of knowledge about them, providing revised, up to date entries as well coverage of new topics in the field. New and expanded sections include microbial ecology, high latitude systems and the cryosphere, climate and climate change, hydrothermal and cold seep systems. The structure of the work provides a modern presentation of the field, reflecting the input and different perspective of chemical, physical and biological oceanography, the specialized area of expertise of each of the three Editors-in-Chief. In this framework maximum attention has been devoted to making this an organic and unified reference. Represents a one-stop. organic information resource on the breadth of ocean science research Reflects the input and different perspective of chemical, physical and biological oceanography, the specialized area of expertise of each of the three Editors-in-Chief New and expanded sections include microbial ecology, high latitude systems and climate change Provides scientifically reliable information at a foundational level, making this work a resource for students as well as active researches
This book integrates 30 years of mercury research on the Florida Everglades to inform scientists and policy makers. The Everglades is an iconic ecosystem by virtue of its expanse; diversity of biota; and multiple international designations. Despite this, the Everglades has been subjected to multiple threats including: habitat loss, hydrologic alterations, invasive species; and altered water quality. Less well recognized as a threat to Everglades human use and wildlife populations is the toxic metal, mercury. This Volume focuses on sources of mercury to the Everglades from the late-1980’s when there was bewilderment as to why there were very high levels of mercury in the Everglades food web. Soon came the finding that mercury loadings from atmospheric deposition accounted for over 95% of total input to the Everglades which resulted in Florida conducting the most comprehensive mercury monitoring and modeling study performed to date. Topics discussed in this Volume include: (1) Why atmospheric deposition fluxes of mercury to the Everglades are amongst the highest in the U.S; (2) That these are overwhelmingly from sources outside of the U.S; (3) That mitigation strategies for resolving the elevated food web mercury problem in the Everglades that rely solely on reducing atmospheric mercury inputs will not be effective for many decades; (4) That consideration of other strategies, in particular controlling factors related to Everglades mercury biogeochemical cycling seem warranted.
Comprehensive resource detailing the molecular mechanisms underlying heavy metal toxicity and tolerance in plants Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological, biochemical, and molecular basis of heavy metal tolerance and functional omics that allow for a deeper understanding of using heavy metal tolerance for deliberate manipulation of plants. Through the authors’ unique approach, the text enables researchers to develop strategies to enhance metal toxicity and deficiency tolerance as well as crop productivity under stressful conditions, in order to better utilize natural resources to ensure future food security. The text presents the basic knowledge of plant heavy metal/metalloid tolerance using modern approaches, including omics, nanotechnology, and genetic manipulation, and covers molecular breeding, genetic engineering, and approaches for high yield and quality under metal toxicity or deficiency stress conditions. With a collection of 26 chapters contributed by the leading experts in the fields surrounding heavy metal and metalloids toxicity and tolerance in crop plants, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants includes further information on: Advanced techniques in omics research in relation to heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance Heavy metals/metalloids in food crops and their implications for human health Molecular mechanisms of heavy metals/metalloids toxicity and tolerance in plants Molecular breeding approaches for reducing heavy metals load in the edible plant parts Hormonal regulation of heavy metals toxicity and tolerance Applications of nanotechnology for improving heavy metals stress tolerance Genetic engineering for heavy metals/metalloids stress tolerance in plants With comprehensive coverage of the subject, Heavy Metal Toxicity and Tolerance in Plants is an essential reference for researchers working on developing plants tolerant to metals/metalloids stress and effective strategies for reducing the risk of health hazards.
Sub-Saharan Africa is facing a significant environmental challenge with heavy metal pollution in its soil, which threatens industrialization, agricultural productivity, and natural ecosystems. However, the region's lack of preparedness, limited awareness, and insufficient data on soil pollution have hindered effective solutions. Global Industrial Impacts of Heavy Metal Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa, authored by experts Joan Nyika and Megersa Dinka, presents a compelling solution. Drawing on their expertise in hydro-biogeochemistry, water resource engineering, and bioremediation, the book delves into heavy metal chemistry, assessment methods, specific pollutants, and control approaches. It equips researchers, policymakers, and environmental regulators with the necessary knowledge and tools to address heavy metal pollution effectively. This groundbreaking book serves as a vital resource for understanding and combating heavy metal pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa. It provides valuable insights into the causes and consequences of soil contamination, offering practical guidance on assessment techniques, pollutant characterization, and strategies for control and prevention. By empowering scholars and decision-makers with this knowledge, the book sets the stage for sustainable development and environmental protection in the region. With its comprehensive approach and actionable solutions, this research fills a critical need. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven analysis and effective control measures, making it an indispensable tool for researchers, policymakers, and environmental regulators dedicated to safeguarding the region's ecosystems, industries, and agricultural systems from the detrimental effects of heavy metal pollution.
Following the success of the fourth edition, which was highly commended in the primary health care category for the 2018 British Medical Association (BMA) Medical Book Awards, this fifth edition has been substantially revised and updated to reflect significant changes in health care practice and to incorporate the explosion of information since the advent of the fourth industrial revolution and the COVID-19 pandemic. As before, the book covers target organ systems that can be affected by hazardous exposures in traditional industries and modern workplaces, both of which coexist in different parts of the world and present unique occupational health challenges for the medical practitioner. To this end, this reference textbook focuses on the clinical presentations, investigations, and medical and work-centric management of affected individuals. We have retained consideration of some special issues relevant to occupational medicine practice in this new edition and included a new section relating to the multidisciplinary nature of occupational health practice.The main emphasis continues to be prevention of disease and early detection of health effects caused by work exposures. This edition of the book has been updated to include new information and references. We have kept some of the previous case studies and illustrations, and introduced several new ones, some of which reflect the changes of practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic — for example, in risk communication, recognition and management of the risks of health care and frontline work. We have again asked international experts in occupational medicine and cross-disciplinary medical specialties to jointly author many of the chapters. Some of the authors are from Asia, and others from Europe, the United States, United Kingdom and Australia. All the authors have either clinical and/or academic experience in, or related to occupational medicine practice.The book is targeted at all those who are interested in the interaction between work and health, and how occupational diseases and work-related disorders may present and be managed. It will be of interest to medical practitioners, especially those in primary care and doctors intending to pursue a career in occupational medicine. It would also be relevant for allied health and safety professionals wanting to know more about health effects resulting from occupational exposures. Other groups who may find this edition useful as a ready reference are medical students, occupational health nurses, or clinical specialists in diverse fields such as dermatology, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases or toxicology.
Medical Geology of Africa explores the connection between geological materials, processes and the health of humans and animals. The book fosters an improved understanding of the ways in which the geological environment impacts the geographical distribution of health problems and how they contribute to better diagnoses and therapy. Africa's unique geoenvironmental condition gives added relevance to such studies, underlining the need for geoscience and public health students and practitioners to understand new principles and applications. Chapters in the book provide extended enquiry-based investigations and examples that employ real geochemical datasets, epidemiological records, public health statistics and visualizations. - Provides a summary of current research on Medical Geology of Africa - Identifies gaps in knowledge of the role of the geo-environment in deciphering unknown aetiologies - Assembles the most recent literature on current thematic issues, and prescribes directions of future research
