Environmental Toxicology

Ecotoxicology, an offshoot of toxicology, is a multidisciplinary science that integrates toxicology and ecology by drawing knowledge and procedures from both the fields. It analyses the effect of toxic chemicals or biological agents on living organisms at different levels of organization. Ecotoxicology classifies different contaminants, their characteristics, release and ecological fate, and predicts their effect so that timely action could be taken to prevent or minimize the detrimental effect. Fundamentals of Environmental Toxicology starts with the basics of toxicology, briefly touching the sources of toxic compounds, classification of toxicants, factors affecting toxicity, and elaborates on heavy metal toxicity. The individual chapters on various heavy metals and radioactive metals discuss the sources and route of exposure, etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations, mechanism of toxicity, toxicological effects, diagnosis, treatment, management, and ecological impact. The book covers the field in its maximum width and provides an insight into pesticide and radiation toxicity, and recent advances in eco-toxicology with special focus on removal of HMs and latest techniques bioremediation. This book serves as a reference book for advanced students pursuing degrees in environmental toxicology and across various disciplines, viz., biomedical, environmental sciences, toxicology, eco-toxicology, pharmacology, public health, etc. and all interested in learning the concepts of eco-toxicology. Features: A systematic overview of the key concepts of ecotoxicology, its relationship with other disciplines, and recent advances in the area. Detailed classification of toxicants, types of toxicity and mechanism of action of toxicants. An in-depth coverage of topics on mechanism of HM besides exclusive sections on pesticide and radiation toxicity. A fact file in each chapter, highlighting the key points on the theme discussed in the chapter. Flow charts, tables, diagrams, and illustrations in easily understandable language.