Ecotoxicology and the Marine Environment

This book provides a blend of approaches to an increasingly important subject area - the application of toxicological data in the monitoring and control of marine pollution. The assessment of pollution hazards in the sea rests heavily upon the correct interpretation and application of sound and relevant toxicological data, and the book provides a guide to the principles and practices of the measurement of pollutant toxicity to marine organisms and to the application of toxicological data in marine pollution control. It is aimed not only at practitioners but also at students and other newcomers to the field. The book describes and discusses some of the recent developments in the application of ecotoxicological principles, outlining ways in which toxicological techniques can be applied in practice. Theoretical aspects are also covered and the book provides an understanding of the philosophy and rationale of ecotoxicological studies in their application to problems of marine pollution. The "Toxicologist" system of computer programmes for analyzing toxicity test data is published in association with the book, and its development and use described. There has long been a demand for such a programme, and copies of the diskette are available through the Euro-Mediterrannean Centre on Marine Contamination Hazards, Malta. The book makes accessible, through its references, a wide range of primary and secondary sources. It provides a guide to several recent developments in toxicity testing, and practitioners - especially those who want to try out new techniques - should find it a very useful addition to their bookshelves.