Small-scale freshwater toxicity investigations: Volume 2 - Hazard assessment schemes

Abstract

While toxicity testing procedures and hazard assessment approaches have been published in past decades, many are wanting in detail for users to fully understand or reproduce successfully. Small-scale freshwater toxicity investigations (Volumes 1 and 2) responds to this need by providing comprehensive information on biological testing which is normally scattered and difficult to find. In Volume 2, 11 chapters on hazard assessment schemes are described in great detail by way of a homogeneous structure that all contributors had to follow. These comprehensive texts allow readers to know the different approaches/strategies, based on applying batteries of bioassays, that are being used internationally to assess the toxic potential of complex environmental media (e.g., effluents, sediments) impacted by chemical contamination stemming from human activities. Academia (students, professors), government (environmental managers, scientists, regulators) and consulting professionals (biologists, chemists, engineers) should find this volume of interest. For example, Volume 2 contents offer relevant knowledge on how to deal with (non)point source pollution issues exemplified by case studies taken from "real world situations", thereby enabling the right decisions to be taken to ensure protection of aquatic environments. Both Volumes 1 and 2 of the book also feature a broad review on toxicity testing applications, as well as a complete glossary of scientific/technical terms employed by editors/contributors in their respective chapters. © 2005 Springer. All rights reserved.