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by Frederic R. Siegel (Author)
Contamination of the earth's ecosystems by potentially toxie metalsl metalloids is a global problem. It will likely grow with our planet's increasing populations and their requirements for natural resources (e. g., water, food, energy, waste-disposal sites) and metals-based goods. The health impacts of pollution from the ingestion of heavy metals/metalloids via respiration, food, and drinking water are most often long-term and manifest themselves in many ways. These include, for example, disminution of mental acuity, loss of motor control, critieal organ dysfunction, cancer, chronie illnesses and con- comitant suffering, incapacitation, and finally death. The incidence and geographie distribution of disease (epidemiology) has been well-documented historieally and in modern times for toxic metals- triggered diseases in humans, animals and vegetation. The role of the environmental geochemist and colleagues in environ- mental sciences is to scientifically evaluate how to manage metalsl metalloids at sources or in-situ so as to alleviate or eliminate their negative health impacts on living populations. This is initiated by identifying sources and by developing models of the physieal, chem- ieal and biologieal controls on mobilization, interaction, deposition and accumulation of potentially toxie metals/metalloids in source systems and earth ecosystems. Prom this knowledge base, environ- mental scientists (e. g., geologists, chemists, biologists, environmen- tal engineers, physicists/meteorologists) work together to develop Preface VI concepts and technologieal methodologies to preserve global eco- systems. Their concerted efforts are equally focussed on devising strategems to remediate ecosystems still carrying heavy metals/metal- loids pollutant burdens from ancient and modern societies.
Back Jacket
This book focuses on heavy metals that have damaged the ecosystem Earth and its life forms. It charcaterizes natural and anthropogenic sources of pollutants, identifies physical, chemical and biological conditions which affect their ecosystem mobility. The book describes the pathways by which potentially toxic metals can access and concentrate to toxic levels in organisms. The volume reviews the different environmental assessment, monitoring samples, and analytical techniques used to determine how sample types bond the metals and hence affect their bioavailability and bioaccumulation. Consideration is given to existing remediation methodologies and those being researched. Finally, the book emphasizes how pre-planning during project studies can result in the incorporation of technologies which will prevent or at least greatly alleviate the release of toxic metals to our living environment
