Environmental toxicology is a relatively young field, with its origins in the mid-20th century. The modern science of toxicology, on the other hand, was born in the early 19th century, and by the later decades of that century, some scientists had begun to consider the effects of toxic substances that had been released into the environment. Environmental toxicology draws heavily on principles and techniques from other fields, including biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, and genetics. Among its primary interests are the assessment of toxic substances in the environment, the monitoring of environments for the presence of toxic substances, the effects of toxins on biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems, and the metabolism and biological and environmental fate of toxins. Organisms can be introduced to toxicants at various stages of their life cycle. The degree of toxicity can vary depending on where the organism is found within its food web. Toxins affect the environment and organisms in a variety of ways, from having little negative impact on certain abiotic factors or resistant organisms to killing animals and destroying major components of ecosystems. The extent of damage depends on the type and structure of the toxic substance; the age, the size, and the species of the organism; and the temperature and the physical and chemical characteristics of the environment.
Knowledge of how these factors interact is critical to understanding how best to prevent or reduce exposure or remove a toxin from the environment. The identification of ways to monitor for chemicals in the environment is an important aspect of environmental toxicology. Monitoring typically is based on the detection of sensitive biochemical markers (e.g., proteins), the levels of which change in the presence of a given toxin, or on changes in individual “indicator” species, the well-being of which serves as a measure of environmental conditions and the health of other species. This book attempts to understand the multiple branches that fall under this discipline and how such concepts have practical applications. It presents this complex subject in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. The topics covered in this book offer the readers new insights in the field of environmental toxicology. It aims to serve as a resource guide for students and experts alike and contribute to the growth of the discipline.
Houston Muse pursued his Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Public Research University, Queensland. He is affiliated as a Senior Science Research Specialist at Institute of Science and Technology, Otago. He has diverse areas of academic and research interests, which include bioaccumulation, biodegradation and the harmful effects of insecticides and pesticides on the environment. Muse has written numerous technical papers, articles and books on environmental health, toxic chemicals and ecotoxicology. He has won over 5 awards and recognitions for his researches and teaching services. He has also served as a reviewer in several well-known environment journals.
