This book discusses marine pathogens, pollution, and toxic algal blooms and their impact on coastal ecosystems and human health.

Oceans and Human Health highlights an unprecedented collaboration of environmental scientists, ecologists and physicians working together on this important new discipline, to the benefit of human health and ocean environmental integrity alike. Oceanography, toxicology, natural products chemistry, environmental microbiology, comparative animal physiology, epidemiology and public health are all long established areas of research in their own right and all contribute data and expertise to an integrated understanding of the ways in which ocean biology and chemistry affect human health for better or worse. This book introduces this topic to researchers and advanced students interested in this emerging field, enabling them to see how their research fits into the broader interactions between the aquatic environment and human health. Color illustrations of aquatic life and oceanic phenomena such as hurricanes and algal blooms Numerous case studies Socio-economic and Ethical Analyses place the science in a broader context Study questions for each chapter to assist students and instructors Risks and remedies sections to help define course modules for instruction

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Ocean Pollution provides a unique look at the effects of estuarine and coastal pollution on resource species. One of the primary objectives of the book is to provide an accurate assessment of the state of the inshore marine environment and its inhabitants. Coastal habitat degradation is discussed, and principal findings from modeling and other research efforts are analyzed and evaluated. The research undertaken thus far extends beyond the effects of pollution on resource population size to disease effects in fish and humans, effects on aquaculture, and effects on productive systems of the oceans. These far-reaching consequences - and potential consequences - of ocean pollution are expertly presented, and suggestions for mitigation are made. Realistic scenarios about the future effects of ocean pollution are outlined, providing a powerful tool for researchers and regulators.

Updated to reflect recent research, the second edition of Marine Pollution discusses the sources of marine pollutants, their effects on marine organisms and humans, and how to reduce or eliminate them. Weis covers topics like oil spills, flame retardants, pharmaceuticals, noise pollution, and PFAS. A new chapter examines the prevalence of microplastics, how they find their way into our food, and the associated toxic chemicals. Additional chapters address the deadly effects of climate change in the ocean but also focus on actions that all people can take, citing recent environmental improvements as a cause for hope.

Plastics last for centuries in the natural environment and are found nearly everywhere on our planet. An estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year at a rate of about one garbage truck per minute, threatening biodiversity and accumulating in the seafood and in the water as discussed in chapter 1. Chapter 2 will examine the issues of man-made trash that is polluting the oceans, also known as marine debris. This marine debris can range from metals, glass, rubber, paper, textiles, and plastic.

Water is at the core of all life on Earth and exists as one of the main components of the human body. Because water is essential to life, addressing water pollution and sustainability issues is of great concern to environmentalists and public health specialists alike. Impact of Water Pollution on Human Health and Environmental Sustainability highlights several important water-related issues and explores a number of potential solutions to the problem of water sustainability. Focusing on research-based perspectives on water availability, industrial and agricultural pollution, water contamination, and their impacts on the human population as well as the environment, this crucial publication is a necessary addition to academic and government libraries serving graduate-level students, environmental scientists, public health workers, policy makers, and legislators seeking the latest information on sustainable and contaminant-free water resources.