The Toxicology of Fishes - 9780415248686

Scientists in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Europe are the contributors to this handbook, which contains 25 chapters describing in depth various aspects and case studies of the aquatic toxicology of fishes. Initial chapters examine general principles, including the bioavailability of chemical contaminants in aquatic systems, toxicokinetics in fishes, biotransformations, and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. Six chapters discuss key target systems and organismal effects, including liver toxicity, the osmoregulatory system, chemical carcinogenesis of fishes, and toxicity resistance. Methods and applications are discussed in five chapters that consider biomarkers, research of aquatic ecosystems, and ecological risk assessment with regard to fishes. Seven case studies conclude the volume, considering the impact of mining on fish in Montana, and the effects on fishes of toxic pollution that includes synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, the Exxon Valdez oil spill, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, steroids and surfactants in treated sewage in English rivers, pulp and paper mill pollution, and dioxin-like chemicals in the Great Lakes. The result is an authoritative presentation of the state of research in the field. Both editors are with the Nicholas School of Environment and Earth Sciences at Duke U., North Carolina. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)