Engineered Nanoparticles and the Environment

There is a growing interest in the use of nanoparticles modified with DNAs, viruses, peptides and proteins for the rational design of nanostructured functional materials and their use in biosensor applications. The challenge is to control the organization of biomolecules on nanoparticles while retaining their biological activity as potential chemical and gene therapeutics. These noble metal nanoparticles/biomolecules conjugates have specific properties and therefore they are attractive materials for nanotechnology in biochemistry and medicine. In this book, the author review work performed dealing with the DNA structure and functionalities, interactions between DNA, noble metal nanoparticles, surface active agents, solvents and other additives. Particular attention is given to how the DNA’s chain length and the DNA conformation affect the interaction and structure of the nanoconjugates and nanostructures that are formed. Also discussed are the recent advances in the preparation, characterization, and applications of noble metal nanoparticles that are conjugated with DNA aptamers and oligomers. The advantages and disadvantages of functionalized nanoparticles through various detection modes are highlighted, including colorimetry, fluorescence, electrochemistry, SPR, and, mass spectrometry for the detection of small molecules and biomolecules. The functionalized noble metal nanoparticles are selective and sensitive for the analytes, showing their great potential in biosensing. Furthermore, this book reviews recent progress in the area of DNA-noble metal nanoparticles based artificial nanostructures, that is, the preparation, collective properties, and applications of various DNA-based nanostructures are also described.

Addresses health and safety issues associated with workplace Nanoparticle exposures • Describes methods to evaluate and control worker exposures to engineered nanoparticles • Provides guidance for concerned EHS professionals on acceptable levels of exposure to nanoparticles • Includes documentation on best practices to be followed by all researchers when working with engineered nanoparticles • Describes current knowledge on toxicity of nanoparticles • Includes coverage on Routes of Exposure for Engineered Nanoparticles

Aquaculture and the Environment Second Edition T. V. R. Pillay The continuing rapid increases in aquaculture production world-wide raise fears of further environmental degradation of the aquatic environment. The second edition of this well-received book brings together and discusses the available information on all major environmental aspects of various aquaculture systems, providing a valuable aid to the preparation of environmental impact assessments of aquaculture projects and showing how potential environmental problems can be reduced or mitigated by sound management. Much new information is presented in this new edition, including details of the impact of genetically modified food products and a new chapter on the sustainability of aquaculture, which covers the definitions of sustainability and responsible aquaculture, environmental, economic, social and ethical aspects of sustainability and the concept of ecotechnology in fish farming. Aquaculture and the Environment, Second Edition is essential reading for all personnel working on fish farms and for those moving into the aquatic farm business. Environmental scientists, ecologists, conservationists, fish and shellfish biologist and all those involved in the preservation of aquatic environments will find much of great use and interest within the covers of this book. Libraries in all universities and research establishments where these subjects are studied and taught should have copies of this excellent and useful book on their shelves. Dr T. V. R. Pillay was formerly Programme Director, Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment places aquaculture within the larger context of global population growth, increased demand for sustainable, reliable sources of food, and the responsible use of natural resources. Aquaculture production has grown rapidly in recent decades as over-exploitation and environmental degradation have drastically reduced wild fish stocks. As fish production has increased, questions have persisted about the environmental sustainability of current aquaculture practices. Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment is a timely synthesis and analysis of critical issues facing the continued growth and acceptance of aquaculture practices and products. Chapters look at the past, present, and future demands for food, aquaculture production, and tackle key issues ranging from environmental impacts of aquaculture to practical best management practices in aquaculture production. Providing broad coverage of issues that are essential to the continued development of aquaculture production, Aquaculture, Resource Use, and the Environment will be vital resource for anyone involved in the field of aquaculture.

ORGANIC REACTIONS Thought-provoking discussions of the challenges posed by—and potential solutions to—plastic and microplastic pollution In Plastic and Microplastic in the Environment: Management and Health Risks, a team of distinguished environmental researchers delivers an up-to-date exploration of plastic and microplastic environmental contamination, conventional and advanced plastics management techniques, and the policies adopted across the globe to combat the phenomenon of plastics contamination. Containing a balanced focus on both conventional plastics and microplastics, this book discusses the potential health issues related to plastic and microplastic infiltration in a variety of global environments and environmental media, including freshwater environments, oceanic environments, soil and sediment, and air. Insightful treatments of commercial and social issues, including the roles of corporate social responsibility initiatives and general education in the fight against plastic and microplastic pollution, are provided as well. Plastic and Microplastic in the Environment also includes: A thorough introduction to plastic debris in global environments, including its accumulation and disintegration Comprehensive explorations of policies for strengthening recyclable markets around the world Practical discussions of the prevalence of microplastics in the marine environment, air, soil, and other environmental media In-depth examinations of wastewater treatment plants as a potential source point of microplastics, as well as conventional and advanced microplastic particle removal technologies Perfect for academics, postgraduates and advanced undergraduates in fields related to environmental science and plastics, Plastic and Microplastic in the Environment: Management and Health Risks will also earn a place in the libraries of professionals working in the plastics industries and environmental policymakers.

In this concise handbook leading experts give a broad overview of the latest developments in this emerging and fascinating field of nano-sized materials. Coverage includes new techniques for the synthesis of nanoparticles as well as an in-depth treatment of their characterization and chemical and physical properties. The future applications of these advanced materials are also discussed. The wealth of information included makes this an invaluable guide for graduate students as well as scientists in materials science, chemistry or physics – looking for a comprehensive treatment of the topic.

Pollutants, Human Health and the Environment is a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of environmental pollutants that are of current concern to human health. Clearly structured throughout, the main body of the book is divided by pollutant type with a chapter devoted to each group of pollutants. Each chapter follows a similar format to facilitate comparison and discussion. For each pollutant, the authors describe the sources, pathways, environmental fate and sinks as well as known toxicological effects. Importantly, the second chapter on heavy metals and other inorganic substances deals with trace element deficiencies which can have serious problems for human health. Some rocks and soils are naturally low in some trace elements and intensive agriculture over the past half century has effectively mined many trace elements reducing their levels in soils and crops. The final chapter is a discussion about the various risk assessment frameworks and regulations covering the main pollutants. Comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of environmental pollutants of concern to human health Clearly divided into pollutant type with each chapter devoted to a different pollutant group Clearly structured throughout with the same format for each chapter to help facilitate comparison and discussion and enable readers to prioritise chemicals of concern Description of the sources, pathways, environmental fate and known toxicological effect Includes contributions from leading researchers and edited by a team of experts in the field

Modern technology has made possible epidemiological studies that relate aspects of neonatal health to disease in adult life. This symposium is the first to draw together information from this new research area. Explores links between early growth and the risk of high blood pressure, stroke and coronary heart disease in adult life; poor growth of babies and inadequate growth and nutrition of mothers; and levels of blood cholesterol and clotting factors. Other chapters consider the connections between early nutrition and adult immunocompetence and risk of allergic diseases; critical periods in the development of both the brain and visual system; and possible origins of schizophrenia. Examines the consequences of adverse early experiences for adult psychosocial functioning.

The book provides experienced as well as young researchers with a topical view of the vibrant field of soft nanotechnology. In addition to elucidating the underlying concepts and principles that drive continued innovation, major parts of each chapter are devoted to detailed discussions of potential and already realized applications of micro- and nanogel- based materials. Examples of the diverse areas impacted by these materials are biocompatible coatings for implants, films for controlled drug release, self-healing soft materials and responsive hydrogels that react to varying pH conditions, temperature or light.