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Title: Biomarkers of environmental contamination

Book ·
OSTI ID:5313124

Biological markers are measurements at the molecular, biochemical, or cellular level in either wild populations from contaminated habitats or in organisms experimentally exposed to pollutants that indicate that the organism has been exposed to toxic chemicals, and the magnitude of the organisms response to the contaminant. Biological markers measured in wild animals can directly contribute to detecting, quantifying, and understanding the significance of exposure to chemicals in the environment. These measurements in environmental species may also help assess the potential for human exposure to environmental pollutants, and for predicting the human health risks. It is the objective of this volume to review the current state of science as it pertains to the scientific basis, current state of development, validation, and use of biological markers in environmental research. The emphasis is on identifying and evaluating exposure of environmental species and effects on the health of environmental species and the integrity of their ecosystem. The various chapters describe different types of biomarkers that offer promise for environmental monitoring. The biomarkers are arranged in categories defined by the nature of the toxic endpoint being probed: anatomical and cytological endpoints; detoxification, adaptive and immunological responses; genotoxic responses; metal metabolism; and application of biomarkers in field evaluation.

OSTI ID:
5313124
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English