ECOtoxicology: Ecological Dimensions: 11 (Ettore Majorana International Science Series, 11) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0412754908 ISBN 13: 9780412754906

Publisher: Springer, 1996

Synopsis

Ecotoxicology is a relatively new scientific discipline. Indeed, it might be argued that it is only during the last 5-10 years that it has come to merit being regarded as a true science, rather than a collection of procedures for protecting the environment through management and monitoring of pollutant discharges into the environment. The term 'ecotoxicology' was first coined in the late sixties by Prof. Truhaut, a toxicologist who had the vision to recognize the importance of investigating the fate and effects of chemicals in ecosystems. At that time, ecotoxicology was considered a sub-discipline of medical toxicology. Subsequently, several attempts have been made to portray ecotoxicology in a more realistic light. Notably, both Moriarty (1988) and F. Ramade (1987) emphasized in their books the broad basis of ecotoxicology, encompassing chemical and radiation effects on all components of ecosystems. In doing so, they and others have shifted concern from direct chemical toxicity to humans, to the far more subtle effects that pollutant chemicals exert on natural biota. Such effects potentially threaten the existence of all life on earth. Although I have identified the sixties as the era when ecotoxicology was first conceived as a coherent subject area, it is important to acknowledge that studies that would now be regarded as ecotoxicological are much older.

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Review

...short, concisely written, ideas-driven reviews of dey issues making this a text suitable for both students and researchers - Ethology Ecology & Evolution

Synopsis

Ecotoxicology is a rapidly-developing area of science which seeks to understand the impacts of toxic chemical exposure on the integrity of ecological systems and their subcomponents. Since its inception in the 1970s, its concerns have broadened from a consideration of lethal effects arising from catastrophic events such as oil spillages towards the understanding of more subtle nonlethal impacts on natural systems. In recent years, as the science has developed, the need for continued exchange of ideas between ecotoxicologists and mainstream ecologists has been highlighted, and the aim of this volume is to bring together international experts from both within and outside the ecotoxicological community to review and highlight the most recent developments in their areas of expertise. The material presented covers both aquatic and terrestrial systems, and deals with issues of global concern, and offers a potential source of ideas and information for those involved in environmental research and management. This book should be of interest to ecotoxicologists, ecologists, environmental scientists and risk assessment practitioners.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0412754908
• ISBN 13: 9780412754906
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 102
• Editor: Baird D.J., Douben P.E., Greig-Smith P., Maltby L.