single toxicant before it, yet one that has now been brought under effective control-at least in estuaries and the nearshore environment. The problem with TBT and its cause was first recognized in France, then in the United Kingdom and the United States of America; and in these and other countries legislation is now in place (see Abel, Chapter 2; Champ and Wade, Chapter 3), but in many countries the hazard is only now being identified. This volume has the important function of making available to all a summary of the results of work on TBT and the main conclusions. It will help to minimize the duplication of research and speed the introduction of legislation around the world to control organotin pollution. It is the more valuable because research on TBT has often been published in less accessible journals and symposium proceedings. This volume brings together accounts of these findings by the major contributors to the TBT story, providing the most comprehensive account to date. The TBT problem has proved to be instructive in a number of different ways beyond the bounds of the specific issue (Stebbing, 1985). Most important is that TBT can be seen as a challenge to monitoring systems for nearshore waters, by which it can be judged how effective monitoring has been in fulfilling its purpose, and what improvements should be made. Most instructive was the time it took to bring TBT under control.

Determination of Toxic Organic Chemicals in Natural Waters, Sediments and Soils: Determination and Analysis reviews the latest techniques for the determination and assessment of both current and emerging organic compounds in a range of important environmental contexts. A wide range of organic compounds in non-saline waters are discussed in the opening chapters, including hydrocarbons, surface active agents and volatile organic compounds. This is followed by multiorganics, pesticides and organometallic compounds in non-saline waters. Organic compounds in aqueous precipitation are then explored before the book goes on to discuss compounds in soils, including extraction techniques, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, and organometallic compounds. Finally, the concluding chapters focus on compounds in sediments, providing readers with the latest information in the field and supporting them as they address the important issue surrounding organic material throughout ecosystems. - Highlights the latest methods for analyzing a wide range of organic compounds - Supports researchers by providing detailed information across a range of ecosystems - Includes detailed guidance for assessing complex mixtures of organic compounds in the environment

The oceans cover more than 70% of the earth's surface to an average depth of almost 4000 metres. It is therefore not surprising that exchanges that occur between ocean and atmosphere exert major influences on the global climate. In addition, there is great variety within the expanses of the ocean, including large temperature differences, and enormous biodiversity brought about by the great chemical diversity within the marine environment. Written by international experts in the field, Chemistry in the Marine Environment offers a multidisciplinary and authoritative review of this important topic. Included is a review of the opportunities and challenges in developing new pharmaceuticals from the sea and an examination of contamination and pollution in the marine environment, which is a cause of great concern world-wide. The international perspective of this book will engage the interest and attention of a wide readership, from chemical oceanographers to policymakers, from students in environmental science to those in oceanography programmes.

A comprehensive, global review of the impact ships have on the environment, covering pollutant discharges, non-pollutant impacts and international legislation.

Organotin compounds, used as antifouling biocides since 1960, are chemical compounds that act as endocrine disrupters. It is not known how organotin compounds cause hormone disturbance, however, and many questions remain about their effect on aquatic organisms. Studies on organotin compounds have recently evolved, with many new findings reported. Following a worldwide ban on organotin compounds in 2008, alternative compounds will mainly be used, with the potential for coastal areas to become contaminated, causing, among other effects, cholinesterase inhibition in aquatic organisms. Use of alternative compounds must be controlled to avoid such errors. These and other findings are described and concisely summarized in this book, providing a useful reference in countries where alternative biocides are being considered. Included are studies on the effects on marine organisms, making this book an excellent aid to experts in environmental chemistry, to government organizations, and to students.

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Endocrine Disruption and Human Health starts with an overview of what endocrine disruptors are, the issues surrounding them, and the source of these chemicals in the ecosystem. This is followed by an overview of the mechanisms of action and assay systems. The third section includes chapters written by specialists on different aspects of concern for the effects of endocrine disruption on human health. Finally, the authors consider the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and the pertinent regulation developed by the EU, the US FDA, as well as REACH and NGOs. The book has been written for researchers and research clinicians interested in learning about the actions of endocrine disruptors and current evidence justifying concerns for human health but is useful for those approaching the subject for the first time, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students. - Provides readers with access to a range of information from the basic mechanisms and assays to cutting-edge research investigating concerns for human health - Presents a comprehensive, translational look at all aspects of endocrine disruption and its effects on human health - Offers guidance on the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and current relevant regulatory considerations