PAHs

Beschreibung

PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are in the spotlight: they are a unique class of persistent organic pollutants constituted by hundreds of individual substances. Regulatory attention and research efforts are increasing. The timely publication of this book updates key aspects of our knowledge. The book starts with ecotoxicological aspects of PAHs, considering their initial formation, then their fate and effects in most environmental compartments. The second part considers the general characteristics of these compounds, beginning with sources and transport in the environment. PAHs are degraded by sunlight and by microorganisms. Metabolism in higher biota may be less important for the overall fate of PAHs, but it is crucial in terms of the formation of carcinogenic metabolites. In the third part, some fundamental aspects of partitioning and bioavailability are discussed, then PAH uptake and effects are considered for invertebrates, fish, birds, mammals and amphibia in freshwater, marine and terrestrial environments. PAH impairment of plant growth and development is also covered. Alteration through photo-activation, often overlooked, is included here. The chapter on biomarkers focuses on aquatic organisms. The final part addresses the issues involved with integrating our knowledge of PAHs for a specific purpose. It ranges from various approaches to developing sediment quality guidelines to a practical example of managing risk from PAHs, highlighting the problems and solutions in a case study. This book will be of interest to industrial and academic research scientists in ecotoxicology, environmental studies/management, toxicology and chemistry; environmental agencies and consultants, NGOs involved in risk assessment.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), or polyarenes, are one of the largest and most structurally diverse class of organic molecules known. High percentages of polyarenes, representing a wide range of molecular sizes and structural types, are present in coal tars and petroleum residues. The major sources of PAHs are crude oil, coal and oil shale. The fuels produced from these fossil sources constitute the primary source of energy for the industrial nations of the world, and the petrochemicals from these raw materials are the basis of the synthetic fibre and plastics industries. PAHs are however, widespread pollutants and their impact on the environment and human health must be monitored and controlled. This book will review and assess our scientific understanding of the ecological exposure and effects PAHs have in different environments and habitats. It will accomplish this by taking the recipients of the pollution in the environment as starting points and working its way back through pathways to access what is required for our understanding of effects and rationale for control. Although this book will concentrate on ecological exposure of PAHs, the general impacts of PAHs on human populations will be touched upon. It is thought to be the first book to focus on the ecological aspects of PAHs.

Autor*in

Peter E. T. Douben

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Biowissenschaften Chemie Chemistry Industrial Chemistry Life Sciences Life Sciences Special Topics Polycyclische aromatische Kohlenwasserstoffe Spezialthemen Biowissenschaften Technische u. Industrielle Chemie Toxicology Toxikologie

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".the book stands as an excellent and current reference text." ( Ecotoxicology)
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".the book stands as an excellent and current reference text." ( Ecotoxicology)
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