Trace Elements as Contaminants and Nutrients

Trace elements occur naturally in soils and some are essential nutrients for plant growth as well as human and animal health. However, at elevated levels, all trace elements become potentially toxic. Anthropogenic input of trace elements into the natural environment therefore poses a range of ecological and health problems. As a result of their persistence and potential toxicity, trace elements continue to receive widespread scientific and legislative attention. Trace Elements in Soils reviews the latest research in the field, providing a comprehensive overview of the chemistry, analysis, fate and regulation of trace elements in soils, as well as remediation strategies for contaminated soil. The book is divided into four sections: • Basic principles, processes, sampling and analytical aspects: presents an overview including general soil chemistry, soil sampling, analysis, fractionation and speciation. • Long-term issues, impacts and predictive modelling: reviews major sources of metal inputs, the impact on soil ecology, trace element deficient soils and chemical speciation modelling. • Bioavailability, risk assessment and remediation: discusses bioavailability, regulatory limits and cleanup technology for contaminated soils including phytoremediation and trace element immobilization. • Characteristics and behaviour of individual elements Written as an authoritative guide for scientists working in soil science, geochemistry, environmental science and analytical chemistry, the book is also a valuable resource for professionals involved in land management, environmental planning, protection and regulation.

The best way to determine trace elements! This easy-to-use handbook guides the reader through the maze of all modern analytical operations. Each method is described by an expert in the field. The book highlights the advantages and disadvantages of individual techniques and enables pharmacologists, environmentalists, material scientists, and food industry to select a judicious procedure for their trace element analysis.

Comprehensive and multidisciplinary presentation of the current trends in trace elements for human, animals, plants, and the environment This reference provides the latest research into the presence, characterization, and applications of trace elements and their role in humans, animals, and plants as well as their use in developing novel, functional feeds, foods, and fertilizers. It takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, describing the biological and industrial applications of trace elements. It covers various topics, such as the occurrence, role, and monitoring of trace elements and their characterization, as well as applications from the preliminary research to laboratory trials. Recent Advances in Trace Elements focuses on the introduction and prospects of trace elements; tackles environmental aspects such as sources of emission, methods of monitoring, and treatment/remediation processes; goes over the biological role of trace elements in plants, animals, and human organisms; and discusses the relevance of biomedical applications and commercialization. A compendium of recent knowledge in interdisciplinary trace element research Uniquely covers production and characterization of trace elements, as well as the industrial and biomedical aspects of their use Paves the way for the development of innovative products in diverse fields, including pharmaceuticals, food, environment, and materials science Edited by well-known experts in the field of trace elements with contributions from international specialists from a wide range of areas Unique in presenting comprehensive and multidisciplinary information of the key aspects of trace elements research in a digestible form, this book is essential reading for the novice and expert in the fields of environmental science, analytical chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, pharmaceutical science, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sciences. It is also valuable for companies that implement new products incorporating trace elements to the market.

This book covers all aspects of bioavailability, as related to environmental contaminants. After a discussion of the definition of bioavailability and its context, focus is placed on the role of risk assessment and bioavailability. Methods of analysis are then discussed including a range of atomic spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques for metal analysis and chromatographic approaches for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The occurrence, properties and eco-toxicity of POPs and metals in the soil/sediment environment are discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the uptake of POPs and metals by plants (phytoextraction). Examples of POPs and metals in the environment are reviewed. Methods to assess the bioavailability of POPs and metals in the environment are discussed. The particular approaches considered are: non-exhaustive extraction techniques single extraction techniques sequential extraction techniques use of cyclodextrin and surfactants in-vitro gastrointestinal methods including physiological-based extraction test the use of bioasssays including earthworms. Finally, selected case studies highlight the importance of determining the bioavailability of POPs and metals.

Given the presence of a wide variety of contaminants in the environment, it is important to understand what drives a contaminant from one medium to another, as well as the manner and extent to which a contaminant associates with the different media or phases within a local environmental system. Partition and Adsorption of Organic Contaminants in Environmental Systems forms a comprehensive resource on the behavioral characteristics of contaminants so that appropriate strategies can be adopted to either prevent or minimize their adverse impacts on human welfare and natural resources. Cary Chiou’s far-reaching text depicts the processes by which nonionic organic contaminants are sorbed to natural biotic and abiotic substances. This book focuses on physical principles and system parameters that affect the contaminant uptake by soil from water, air, and other media; by fish from water; and by plants from soil and water. As contaminant uptake by natural organic substances is often predominantly a partition interaction, the partition characteristics in several solvent-water model mixtures are treated in detail to elucidate the relevant physicochemical parameters. The account of contaminant sorption to soils, fish, and plants is strengthened by companion chapters on: Fundamentals of solution theory Interphase partition equations Fundamentals of adsorption theory Vapor adsorption on mineral and carbonaceous solids No other single source in the field delivers as compelling a combination of background understanding and «state-of-the-science» comprehension of current issues. Ideally suited for a graduate-level environmental course, Partition and Adsorption of Organic Contaminants in Environmental Systems also serves as a technical guide to current and future research in the field.

Pollution due to various anthropogenic activities continues to increase. In terms of water pollutants, organic and inorganic pollutants are the most problematic. Although several measures have been proposed and implemented to prevent or reduce contamination, their increased concentration in water bodies has created serious concerns. Over the years, the problem has been aggravated by industrialization, urbanization and the exploitation of natural resources. The direct discharge of wastewater contaminants and their geographical mobilization have caused an increase in concentration in ground, surface, fluvial and residual waters. Extensive information about detection and disposal methods is needed in order to develop technological solutions for a ­variety of environments, both urban and rural. This book provides up-to-date information on wastewater contaminants, aimed at researchers, engineers and technologists working in this field. Conventional physicochemical techniques used to remove contaminants from wastewater include ion exchange, precipitation, degradation, coagulation, coating, membrane processes and adsorption. However, these applications have technological and economic limitations, and involve the release of large amounts of chemical reagents and by-products that are themselves difficult to remove. Biosorption – the use of organically generated material as an adsorbent – is attracting new research and scholarship. Thermally-treated calcined biomaterials may be treated to remove heavy metals from wastewater. To ensure the elimination of these contaminants, existing solutions must be integrated with intelligent biosorption functions. Biosorption for Wastewater Contaminants will find an appreciative audience among academics and postgraduates working in the fields of environmental biotechnology, environmental engineering, wastewater treatment technology and environmental chemistry.

Fish nutrition can be the deciding factor between a robust and healthy farmed fish population and low aquaculture production. In an age where chemicals and antibiotics are under greater scrutiny than ever, a strong understanding of the role of nutrients and feed additives is essential in the aquaculture industry. Dietary Nutrients, Additives and Fish Health is a comprehensive review of dietary nutrients, antinutritional factors and toxins, and non-nutrient dietary additives, and their effects on fish performance and immune system function, as well as overall health. The book opens with an overview of fish immune systems and health. Subsequent chapters delve into proteins and amino acids, lipids and fatty acids, carbohydrates, beta glucans, vitamins, minerals, antinutrients, mycotoxins, nucleotides, prebiotics, probiotics, organic acids and their salts, and plant extracts and their impacts on fish health, growth, and development. The text then concludes with a chapter on feeding practices. Authored by leaders in aquaculture, Dietary Nutrients, Additives and Fish Health will be an invaluable resource to graduate students, researchers and professionals alike.

This book covers all aspects of environmental trace analysis from sampling through to preparation of the sample to the analytical techniques used to quantify the level of trace metals or organic compounds. The book is divided into two areas: sample preparation for inorganic analysis and sample preparation for organic analysis. This allows the reader to focus on key aspects related to the preparation of samples for their subsequent analysis. Selected case studies provide the reader with the opportunity to consider how the sample preparation approach can be optimized for their own area of expertise.

Analytical Methods for Environmental Contaminants of Emerging Concern Provides the analytical methodology required to detect different families of organic compounds of emerging concern (CECs) from environmental samples Most contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) —such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, sunscreens, perfluorinated compounds, and microplastics—have been present in the environment for years, yet some have only recently been identified, and many of these organic compounds remain unregulated. Analytical methods have been developed to determine the toxicity and risk of different families of CECs. Analytical Methods for Environmental Contaminants of Emerging Concern presents the methods currently available to determine families of organic CECs in environmental samples. Each section of the book is devoted to a particular family of CECs, covering different analytical methods supported by examples of both cutting-edge research and commonly used methods. An international panel of experts describes every step of the analytical procedures, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation coupled to mass spectrometry or other instrumental techniques. Specific requirements are linked to the properties of the contaminants and the sample matrix for each procedure presented. Throughout the book, in-depth case studies of analytical procedures for CEC extraction, separation, and determination are presented to help readers transfer the analytical methods to their laboratories. Provides detailed descriptions of various approaches for determining each group of CECs in environmental samples Covers different types of aqueous, solid, and atmospheric samples Includes up-to-date information on CEC properties, relevant legislation, reported or potential metabolites/transformation products, and environmental occurrence Addresses CECs such as novel psychoactive substances, artificial sweeteners, musk fragrances, disinfection byproducts, and microplastics Offers practical tips and advice on special care procedures to assist readers in CEC determination Analytical Methods for Environmental Contaminants of Emerging Concern is an essential reference and guide for advanced students and researchers in analytical chemistry and science, environmental science, forensic science, and specialized subjects related to analytical chemistry.

How do plants react to elements in the soil? A vital question, particulary in today's world of increasing environmental contamination… The answer can be found in this book. It has an extraordinarily broad basis, compiling up-to-date information from numerous specialist disciplines. Key articles are devoted to – Soil Chemistry and Bioavailability – Metal-tolerant Plants – Metalloenzymes – Toxic Effects of Metals – Radionuclides Moreover emphasis is placed on environmental aspects, with detailed considerations of plants that hyperaccumulate heavy metals and plants that are indicators for pollution. A discussion of experimental techniques rounds off the book. They include sampling, sample preparation, analytical methods and aspects of quality assurance. All in all a valuable forum for the exchange of current thinking across a broad spectrum of disciplines.