Description
Book SynopsisEcology of Estuaries represents the most definitive and comprehensive source of reference information available on the human impact on estuarine ecosystems. The volume discusses both acute and insidious pollution problems plaguing these coastal ecotones. It also provides a detailed examination of the deleterious and pervasive effects of human activities on biotic communities and sensitive habitat areas in estuaries. Specific areas covered include organic loading, oil pollution, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons, heavy metals, dredging and dredged-spoil disposal, radionuclides, as well as other contaminants and processes. The diverse components of these anthropogenic influences are assembled in an organized framework and presented in a clear and concise style that facilitates their understanding.
Table of ContentsTypes of Pollutants. Waste Disposal Strategies. Biological Effects of Waste Disposal. Organic Loading: Eutrophication Problems. Oil Pollution: Sources of Oil Pollution. Composition of Oil. Fate of Polluting Oil. Effects of Polluting Oil on Organisms. Case Studies. Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Distribution. PAHs in Estuarine Systems. Environmental Cycle of PAHCompounds. Chlorinated Hydrocarbons: Organochlorine Pesticides. DDT. Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). Case Studies. Heavy Metals: Sources of Heavy Metals. Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals. Heavy Metals in Estuarine Systems. Radioactivity: Radioactivity and Radiation. Radioactivity and Estuarine Organisms. Radioactive Waste Disposal. Dredging And Dredged-Spoil Disposal: Dredging Devices. Environmental Effects of Dredging and Dredged-Spoil Disposal. Case Studies. Regulation Of Dredged-Material Disposal. Effects Of Electric Generating Stations: Historical Development. Effects Of Power Plant Operation. Case Studies
