Environmental Contaminants and Health

This book reviews environmental contaminants in terms of their sources, impacts, and health risk assessment, with a focus on soil pollution, groundwater contamination, and integrated management strategies. It explores the genesis and mobilization of contaminants such as microplastics, heavy metals, and PFAS, providing a comprehensive overview of their environmental and health implications.

Divided into four parts, the book begins with an introduction to contaminants and health, followed by sections covering soil and groundwater contamination and remediation. It concludes with discussions on integrated management approaches, emphasizing the "One Health" perspective to address ecological contamination challenges. The chapters cover topics such as the global distribution and mobility of microplastics, the bioaccumulation potential of PFAS, and the cumulative health risks from heavy metals in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The book also investigates the link between environmental contamination and diseases, particularly tuberculosis and lung cancer in Romania. It highlights innovative remediation techniques, such as using Miscanthus giganteus for soil decontamination, and examines the impact of climate change on soil contaminants. Readers will discover case studies from countries such as India and Ghana, offering practical insights into groundwater contamination and management strategies.

This volume is an invaluable resource for environmental scientists, engineers, policy planners, and researchers. It provides science-based solutions and real-world case studies, making it essential reading for those seeking to understand and manage environmental contaminants effectively.