Ethel Eljarrat – författare

This book reviews the latest developments concerning the analysis, fate, behaviour and toxicity of pyrethroid insecticides. Over the last few decades, pyrethroid insecticides have increasingly replaced organochlorine pesticides due to their relatively lower mammalian toxicity, selective insecticide activity and lower environmental persistence. They represent 25% of global sales of insecticides, and are considered to be “safe” since they are converted to non-toxic metabolites by oxidative metabolism in fish and by hydrolysis in mammals. However, recent studies have demonstrated their environmental ubiquity, their bioaccumulation and their toxicity in various aquatic and terrestrial organisms, and even in humans.

Featuring contributions by leading experts, the book discusses the physico-chemical properties and uses of pyrethroid insecticides; the latest chemical analytical methods; their occurrence in the environment, biota and food; and their isomeric and enantiomeric behaviour. It particularly highlights the toxicological effects and human exposure to pyrethroid insecticides, and also offers insights into the effects of the salmon industry on the marine environment with a case study of sea lice treatment using pyrethroids. This comprehensive book is a valuable source of information for environmental scientists, policymakers and producers interested in issues related to pyrethroid insecticides.

Brominated flame retardants are one of the last classes of halogenated compounds that are still being produced worldwide and used in large quantities in many applications. They are used in plastics, textiles, electronic circuitry, and other materials to prevent fires. This volume covers the state-of-the-art of the analysis, fate and behaviour of brominated flame retardants. Experts in the field provide an overview of the compounds’ physico-chemical properties and uses, their occurrence in the environment and biota, advanced chemical analytical methods, degradation studies, toxicological effects and human exposure. This book is a valuable and comprehensive source of information for environmental scientists interested in brominated flame retardant issues, and for authorities and producers.

There are a growing number of new chemicals in the environment that represent an ascertained or potential risk. Many of them can be found in sewage sludge and are the subject of this volume. Experts in the field highlight their occurrence and fate, risks of biosolid use, advanced chemical analysis methods, and degradation techniques with a special focus on biodegradation using fungi. In the final chapter conclusions and trends are offered as a point of departure for future studies. The double-disciplinary approach combining environmental analysis and engineering makes the book a valuable and comprehensive source of information for a broad audience, such as environmental chemists and engineers, biotechnologists, ecotoxicologists and professionals responsible for waste and water management.