Metal Contamination in Aquatic Environments: Science and Lateral Management

Description

Metal contamination is one of the most ubiquitous, persistent and complex environmental issues, encompassing legacies of the past (e.g. abandoned mines) as well as impending, but poorly studied, threats (e.g. metallo-nanomaterials). Writing for graduate students, risk assessors and environmental managers, Drs Luoma and Rainbow explain why controversies exist in managing metal contamination and highlight opportunities for policy solutions stemming from the latest advances in the field. They illustrate how the 'lateral' approach offers opportunities in both science and management, making the case that the advanced state of the science now allows bridging of traditional boundaries in the field (e.g. between field observations and laboratory toxicology). The book has a uniquely international and interdisciplinary perspective, integrating geochemistry, biology, ecology, and toxicology, as well as policy and science. It explicitly shows how science ties into today's regulatory structure, identifying opportunities for more effective risk management in the future.

Review of the hardback: 'This book will become required reading for aquatic science students, practising environmental scientists and environmental managers and even some policy makers and I commend it to those groups.' Mike Elliott, Institute of Estuarine and Coastal Studies, University of Hull Review of the hardback: 'The book ... is excellent.... The material ... is well ordered and logical. ... one of the most pleasing aspects of the book is that it has a truly international focus, rather than the usual American or European focus.... The reference list is very extensive and more importantly, comprehensive and representative ... The language is direct and clear.... Historical context to the evolution of concepts is also regularly provided by referring to seminal papers and these are also very useful and insightful.... The illustrations are first-class. ... it will be in the 'constantly referred to' part of my bookcase ... will I recommend the book to others? Yes indeed.' Michael Warne, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Review of the hardback: 'There are so many things to like about this book; I hardly know where to start. It can serve as an authoritative reference for anyone involved with the environmental chemistry or toxicology of metals in aquatic ecosystems. ... it would serve as an excellent advanced text. ... I am glad to have this book and expect to refer to it often. In particular, I plan to use it as a guide to updating the metals module in the CADDIS website.' Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management