Metal Contamination in Aquatic Environments: Science and Lateral Management

by Samuel N. Luoma, Philip S. Rainbow

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521279017
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	06/09/2011
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	588
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Sam Luoma was a research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey for 34 years, before moving to the University of California at Davis. He was the first Lead Scientist for California's redesign of water management, gaining valuable experience in linking science and policy. He was a W. J. Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in 2004 and was awarded the U.S. Presidential Rank Award for career accomplishments in 2005.

Phil Rainbow is Keeper of Zoology at The Natural History Museum in London, managing both public communication of science and a staff of more than 100 working scientists in one of the premier scientific institutions in the world. He was awarded the annual Kenneth Mellanby Review Lecture Prize by the journal Environmental Pollution in 2002.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. Conceptual underpinnings: science and management; 3. Historical and disciplinary context; 4. Sources and cycles of trace metals; 5. Concentrations and speciation of metals in natural waters; 6. Trace metals in suspended particulates and sediments: concentrations and geochemistry; 7. Trace metal bioaccumulation; 8. Biomonitors; 9. Manifestation of the toxic effects of trace metals: the biological perspective; 10. Toxicity testing; 11. Manifestation of metal effects in nature; 12. Mining and metal contamination: science, controversies and policies; 13. Selenium: dietary exposure, trophic transfer and food web effects; 14. Organometals: tributyl tin and methyl mercury; 15. Hazard rankings and water quality guidelines; 16. Sediment quality guidelines; 17. Harmonizing approaches to managing metal contamination: integrative and weight of evidence approaches; 18. Conclusions: science and policy.

Editorial Reviews

Pre Publication Praise:
"...will become required reading for aquatic science students, practicing environmental scientists and environment managers and even some policy makers".
Professor Mike Elliot, University of Hull, UK

"...provides a solid foundation for students, academics, industrial scientists, consultants and regulators assessing the environmental significance of metals in waterbodies"
Dr. Peter Chapman, Principle, Golder Associates Ltd.

"..clearly weaving together cross boundary topics ranging from conceptual underpinnings...to impacts on ecosystems and human populations, along with policy and regulation perspectives"
Professor Ken Bruland, University of California at Santa Cruz

"...combines in an accessible book the broad range of science required to understand the...impact of metals on natural systems..."
Professor Jeffrey Levinton, State University of New York, Stony Brook

"This uncommon, ambitious work by Luoma and Rainbow possesses both depth and breadth, and ties together specific events/examples, past and present, giving a global perspective and punch. ...Highly recommended." - CHOICE

From the Publisher