Micropollutants : Sources, Ecotoxicological Effects and Control Strategies

Many organic pollutants, such as, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are detected in the environment at low concentrations. Due to their large-scale production and usage, toxicity, bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment, they can cause harmful effects to organisms and to human health. Atmospheric deposition, industrial and urban activity presents the main sources of environmental pollution. Chapter One covers inorganic pollution by heavy metals, which is less visible and direct than other types of pollutants, but its effects on marine ecosystems and humans are intensive and very extensive. Chapter Two discusses the degradation resistance of Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), an artificially synthethized organic compound extensively used as plasticizers for industrial, medical, and domestic purposes, and that is found in wastewater treatment plants. Chapter Three discusses how the pollution risk of soil contamination by the lanthanides and platinum group metals is increasing with the industrialization and urbanization growth in Russia.