Emerging Contaminants and Associated Treatment Technologies – serie

This volume summarizes and updates information about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)/antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) production, including their entry routes in soil, air, water and sediment, their use in hospital and associated waste, global and temporal trends in use and spread of antibiotics, AMR and ARG. Antimicrobial/antibiotic resistance genes due to manure and agricultural waste applications, bioavailability, biomonitoring, and their Epidemiological, ecological and public health effects. The book addresses the antibiotic and AMR/ARG  risk assessment and  treatment technologies, for managing antibiotics and AMR/ARG impacted environmentsThe book's expert contributions span 20 chapters, and offer a comprehensive framework for better understanding and analyzing the environmental and social impacts of antibiotics and AMR/ARGs. Readers will have access to recent and updated models regarding the interpretation of antibiotics and AMR/ARGs in environment and biomonitoring studies, and will learn about the management options require to appropriately mitigate environmental contaminants and pollution. The book will be of interest to students, teachers, researchers, policy makers and environmental organizations.

This volume summarizes and updates information about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance (AMR)/antibiotic resistant genes (ARG) production, including their entry routes in soil, air, water and sediment, their use in hospital and associated waste, global and temporal trends in use and spread of antibiotics, AMR and ARG. Antimicrobial/antibiotic resistance genes due to manure and agricultural waste applications, bioavailability, biomonitoring, and their Epidemiological, ecological and public health effects. The book addresses the antibiotic and AMR/ARG  risk assessment and  treatment technologies, for managing antibiotics and AMR/ARG impacted environmentsThe book's expert contributions span 20 chapters, and offer a comprehensive framework for better understanding and analyzing the environmental and social impacts of antibiotics and AMR/ARGs. Readers will have access to recent and updated models regarding the interpretation of antibiotics and AMR/ARGs in environment and biomonitoring studies, and will learn about the management options require to appropriately mitigate environmental contaminants and pollution. The book will be of interest to students, teachers, researchers, policy makers and environmental organizations.

This volume offers a detailed and comprehensive analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), covering their occurrence, exposure to humans and the mechanisms that lead to the parthogenesis of EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. The book is divided into three parts. Part I describes the physiology of the human endocrine system, with special emphasis on various types of metabolic disorders along with risk factors that are responsible for the development of these disorders. Part II addresses all aspects of EDCs, including their role in the induction of various risk factors that are responsible for the development of metabolic disorders. Part III covers up-to-date environmental regulatory considerations and treatment strategies that have been adopted to cure and prevent EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. This section will primarily appeal to clinicians investigating the causes and treatment of metabolic disorders. The text will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of Environmental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Environmental Pollution, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Drug Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics.

This volume offers a detailed and comprehensive analysis of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs), covering their occurrence, exposure to humans and the mechanisms that lead to the parthogenesis of EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. The book is divided into three parts. Part I describes the physiology of the human endocrine system, with special emphasis on various types of metabolic disorders along with risk factors that are responsible for the development of these disorders. Part II addresses all aspects of EDCs, including their role in the induction of various risk factors that are responsible for the development of metabolic disorders. Part III covers up-to-date environmental regulatory considerations and treatment strategies that have been adopted to cure and prevent EDCs-induced metabolic disorders. This section will primarily appeal to clinicians investigating the causes and treatment of metabolic disorders. The text will also be of interest to students and researchers in the fields of Environmental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Environmental Pollution, Pharmaceutical Biochemistry, Biotechnology, and Drug Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics.

This volume uses chemometric mathematical modelling approaches to investigate geographic areas at risk of ecological degradation due to pollution. While most analytical approaches in environmental research involve sophisticated and sensitive instrumental techniques, this book employs chemometric techniques to create a corresponding data matrix to extract accurate and realistic environmental information in areas vulnerable to and affected by hazardous substances. The text offers case studies to establish a general framework of the opportunities, advantages, weaknesses and challenges of these mathematical approaches, and provides a chemometric model of each focus area to assess the long-distance distribution of pollutants. The case studies highlight the potential use of novel chemometric models for mitigating and preventing environmental pollution and ecological risks, while also providing reviews of the current status and developments in chemometric analysis of environmental pollution. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in environmental and agricultural chemistry, environmental pollution modelling and ecological degradation.

This volume uses chemometric mathematical modelling approaches to investigate geographic areas at risk of ecological degradation due to pollution. While most analytical approaches in environmental research involve sophisticated and sensitive instrumental techniques, this book employs chemometric techniques to create a corresponding data matrix to extract accurate and realistic environmental information in areas vulnerable to and affected by hazardous substances. The text offers case studies to establish a general framework of the opportunities, advantages, weaknesses and challenges of these mathematical approaches, and provides a chemometric model of each focus area to assess the long-distance distribution of pollutants. The case studies highlight the potential use of novel chemometric models for mitigating and preventing environmental pollution and ecological risks, while also providing reviews of the current status and developments in chemometric analysis of environmental pollution. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in environmental and agricultural chemistry, environmental pollution modelling and ecological degradation.

This volume discusses how environmental pollutants are involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and covers specific mechanisms and risk factors, as well as the necessary strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of environmental pollutants on the human nervous system. With a collection of contributions from experts in environmental pollution, neurology and pharmaceutical chemistry, the book provides both an introduction to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, including the types and different classes of neurological disorders, and studies demonstrating the clear link between environmental contaminants (e.g. pesticides, smoking, mycotoxins, persistent organic pollutants (POP's), polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, nanomaterials) and the development of neurological disorders in vulnerable populations. The book fills in a gap in research on the topic by also covering state-of-the-art treatment strategies and mitigation measures for each type of pollutant. The book will be of interest to environmental scientists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and food and drug regulatory organizations.

This volume discusses how environmental pollutants are involved in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, and covers specific mechanisms and risk factors, as well as the necessary strategies to reduce the adverse impacts of environmental pollutants on the human nervous system. With a collection of contributions from experts in environmental pollution, neurology and pharmaceutical chemistry, the book provides both an introduction to the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration, including the types and different classes of neurological disorders, and studies demonstrating the clear link between environmental contaminants (e.g. pesticides, smoking, mycotoxins, persistent organic pollutants (POP's), polychlorinated biphenyls, phthalates, nanomaterials) and the development of neurological disorders in vulnerable populations. The book fills in a gap in research on the topic by also covering state-of-the-art treatment strategies and mitigation measures for each type of pollutant. The book will be of interest to environmental scientists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and food and drug regulatory organizations.

This volume describes the identification of emerging organic pollutants, mainly from industrial sources, their associated toxicological threats, and the latest green methods and biotechnological solutions to abate harmful impacts on people and the environment. The chapters present reviews on current applied toxicology research, occupational health hazards and green remedial solutions for pollution control in terrestrial and aquatic environments, with the aim of raising public awareness of these issues and providing chemists, toxicologists and environmental scientists with the knowledge to combat organic pollutants through sustainable means. Readers will learn about the multi-dimensional applications of materials and processes which harvest energy out of environmental remediation technologies, as well as the roles of biotechnology and nanotechnology in addressing high pollutant load. Specific attention is paid to technologies that draw energy through wastewater remediation, as this covers the primary means by which organic pollutants are introduced into the environment from industry and other sources. The book will be of use to pollution control boards, industry regulators, and students and researchers in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical science, hydrology and water chemistry.

This volume describes the identification of emerging organic pollutants, mainly from industrial sources, their associated toxicological threats, and the latest green methods and biotechnological solutions to abate harmful impacts on people and the environment. The chapters present reviews on current applied toxicology research, occupational health hazards and green remedial solutions for pollution control in terrestrial and aquatic environments, with the aim of raising public awareness of these issues and providing chemists, toxicologists and environmental scientists with the knowledge to combat organic pollutants through sustainable means. Readers will learn about the multi-dimensional applications of materials and processes which harvest energy out of environmental remediation technologies, as well as the roles of biotechnology and nanotechnology in addressing high pollutant load. Specific attention is paid to technologies that draw energy through wastewater remediation, as this covers the primary means by which organic pollutants are introduced into the environment from industry and other sources. The book will be of use to pollution control boards, industry regulators, and students and researchers in the fields of biotechnology, biomedical science, hydrology and water chemistry.

This volume discusses the growing issue of global environmental microplastic pollution resulting from the industrial manufacturing of everyday products. The book focuses on the emergence of microplastic pollution, types, sources, fate, dynamic trends in the environment, occurrence in different environmental settings, toxicity, risk assessment, and prevention strategies. The authors provide a detailed explanation and provision of the techniques used for the detection, separation, and identification of microplastics for use by industry workers and scientists, along with policy recommendations  for legislative bodies to reduce the spread and impact of harmful microplastics. The book will be of use to students, teachers, researchers, policy makers, and environmental organizations.

This volume discusses the growing issue of global environmental microplastic pollution resulting from the industrial manufacturing of everyday products. The book focuses on the emergence of microplastic pollution, types, sources, fate, dynamic trends in the environment, occurrence in different environmental settings, toxicity, risk assessment, and prevention strategies. The authors provide a detailed explanation and provision of the techniques used for the detection, separation, and identification of microplastics for use by industry workers and scientists, along with policy recommendations  for legislative bodies to reduce the spread and impact of harmful microplastics. The book will be of use to students, teachers, researchers, policy makers, and environmental organizations.

This volume provides a collection of research findings on the distribution and risk associated with emerging contaminants (ECs) in water and wastewater across the globe, and effective remediation techniques and technologies. The book covers various monitoring techniques for ECs in water and wastewater and its related impacts on the ambient environment, and offers valuable information on cost-effective monitoring techniques and sustainable treatment technologies for ECs. The authors detail the risks and biological effects of ECs and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in freshwater and marine systems, including their adverse interactions with aquatic organisms, while also discussing the associated impacts on human health. The book comprehensively covers current research outcomes on treatment methods, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure needs for effective removal of ECs. It will be of interest to students, researchers, and scholars in environmental science and engineering, water and wastewater, toxicology, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences, and microbial ecology.

This volume provides a collection of research findings on the distribution and risk associated with emerging contaminants (ECs) in water and wastewater across the globe, and effective remediation techniques and technologies. The book covers various monitoring techniques for ECs in water and wastewater and its related impacts on the ambient environment, and offers valuable information on cost-effective monitoring techniques and sustainable treatment technologies for ECs. The authors detail the risks and biological effects of ECs and legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in freshwater and marine systems, including their adverse interactions with aquatic organisms, while also discussing the associated impacts on human health. The book comprehensively covers current research outcomes on treatment methods, cost-effectiveness, and infrastructure needs for effective removal of ECs. It will be of interest to students, researchers, and scholars in environmental science and engineering, water and wastewater, toxicology, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences, and microbial ecology.

This volume discusses hazardous environmental micropollutants, their impacts on human health, and possible means to mitigate their associated risks. The book features chapters that cover a variety of topics related to environmental micropollutants, which include dusts, infectious particles, heavy metals, organophosphates, atmospheric toxic organic micropollutants, fungal spores, pollutants from E-waste, antibiotic waste, and more. In addition impacts on human health and the environment, economic issues are addressed, with potential policy solutions offered. This work is timely, as hazardous micropollutants in soil, water and air are becoming more common, and this environmental contamination is leading to increasing instances of suboptimal human health outcomes. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in environmental pollution and remediation technology, microbiologists, and environmental regulators.

This volume discusses hazardous environmental micropollutants, their impacts on human health, and possible means to mitigate their associated risks. The book features chapters that cover a variety of topics related to environmental micropollutants, which include dusts, infectious particles, heavy metals, organophosphates, atmospheric toxic organic micropollutants, fungal spores, pollutants from E-waste, antibiotic waste, and more. In addition impacts on human health and the environment, economic issues are addressed, with potential policy solutions offered. This work is timely, as hazardous micropollutants in soil, water and air are becoming more common, and this environmental contamination is leading to increasing instances of suboptimal human health outcomes. The book will be of interest to students and researchers in environmental pollution and remediation technology, microbiologists, and environmental regulators.

This book discusses the sources, human health hazards and risk prevention strategies associated with aeolian dust particles (fine and ultrafine) in the atmosphere. It covers the challenges of accurately forecasting aeolian dust and the need to raise public awareness on the warning signs and harmful impacts of airborne dust. Also discussed is the presence of microorganisms, heavy metals and other pollutants in dust which contributes to harmful impacts on human health as well as management and treatment options for the various health issues that can result from exposure. The book is a useful resource for scientists, engineers and policymakers interested in dust and health.

This book discusses the sources, human health hazards and risk prevention strategies associated with aeolian dust particles (fine and ultrafine) in the atmosphere. It covers the challenges of accurately forecasting aeolian dust and the need to raise public awareness on the warning signs and harmful impacts of airborne dust. Also discussed is the presence of microorganisms, heavy metals and other pollutants in dust which contributes to harmful impacts on human health as well as management and treatment options for the various health issues that can result from exposure. The book is a useful resource for scientists, engineers and policymakers interested in dust and health.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are predominantly unregulated anthropogenic chemicals that occur in air, soil, water, food, and plant/animal tissues in trace concentrations. ECs are persistent in the environment, capable of perturbing the physiology of target receptors and, therefore, are increasingly regarded as a subject of concern. This volume aims to enhance understanding of emerging contaminants’ effects on plants and the environment and to highlight and address the need of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches in mitigating and remediating the effects of ECs. The book comprises chapters from diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, microbial technology, nanotechnology, molecular biology, remediation, and more. This volume will be useful to remediation practitioners, researchers, regulators and graduate students.

Emerging contaminants (ECs) are predominantly unregulated anthropogenic chemicals that occur in air, soil, water, food, and plant/animal tissues in trace concentrations. ECs are persistent in the environment, capable of perturbing the physiology of target receptors and, therefore, are increasingly regarded as a subject of concern. This volume aims to enhance understanding of emerging contaminants’ effects on plants and the environment and to highlight and address the need of sustainable and eco-friendly approaches in mitigating and remediating the effects of ECs. The book comprises chapters from diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, microbial technology, nanotechnology, molecular biology, remediation, and more. This volume will be useful to remediation practitioners, researchers, regulators and graduate students.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a class of chemicals that are persistent, bio accumulative and toxic (PBT), which are restricted for use under the Stockholm Convention. They adversely impact the environment, human and animal health. Most of the POPs are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and known to have a long-range transport potential and are often deposited in colder climate and found in places away from the regions they are produced. POPs are usually hydrophobic (i.e., “water-hating”) and lipophilic (i.e., “fat-loving”) chemicals, due to which they bind to solids, particularly organic matter, and fatty tissues in both marine and terrestrial environments. As a result, POPs may move up the food chain. This book focuses on determining the sources, fate, analytical techniques of detecting POPs as well as their health impacts. It further dwells on the regulatory aspects, management of POPs, best environmental practices (BEPs), Indian and international case studies, gaps in understanding the regulatory aspects. A few key recommendations for the way forward form the concluding chapters of this book.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are a class of chemicals that are persistent, bio accumulative and toxic (PBT), which are restricted for use under the Stockholm Convention. They adversely impact the environment, human and animal health. Most of the POPs are semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) and known to have a long-range transport potential and are often deposited in colder climate and found in places away from the regions they are produced. POPs are usually hydrophobic (i.e., “water-hating”) and lipophilic (i.e., “fat-loving”) chemicals, due to which they bind to solids, particularly organic matter, and fatty tissues in both marine and terrestrial environments. As a result, POPs may move up the food chain. This book focuses on determining the sources, fate, analytical techniques of detecting POPs as well as their health impacts. It further dwells on the regulatory aspects, management of POPs, best environmental practices (BEPs), Indian and international case studies, gaps in understanding the regulatory aspects. A few key recommendations for the way forward form the concluding chapters of this book.

This book is a compilation of all the necessary attributes associated with the knowledge of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that have been meticulously identified and charted down by the Stockholm Convention. Essential details starting from technical characteristics of the POPs to their expanse of nationwide usage, their remedial procedures adopted in India in comparison to available international data, and their consequent effects on biota and future perspectives are summarized with precision. Additionally, in-house scientific works that have been performed on each chemical are presented. Moreover, a unique feature of this book is that each chapter is dedicated to focusing on a single POP so that all the aspects of its usage, effects and fate can be accurately laid out. The book aims to be a go-to guidebook for stakeholders and academicians dealing with these chemicals who wish to be more acquainted with the present scenario of POPs and their status.

This book is a compilation of all the necessary attributes associated with the knowledge of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) that have been meticulously identified and charted down by the Stockholm Convention. Essential details starting from technical characteristics of the POPs to their expanse of nationwide usage, their remedial procedures adopted in India in comparison to available international data, and their consequent effects on biota and future perspectives are summarized with precision. Additionally, in-house scientific works that have been performed on each chemical are presented. Moreover, a unique feature of this book is that each chapter is dedicated to focusing on a single POP so that all the aspects of its usage, effects and fate can be accurately laid out. The book aims to be a go-to guidebook for stakeholders and academicians dealing with these chemicals who wish to be more acquainted with the present scenario of POPs and their status.

Arsenic contamination in drinking water and crops is a major health issue in many countries worldwide, threatening the health of millions of people due to arsenic’s toxicity and carcinogenicity. This edited volume brings together a diverse group of environmental science, sustainability and health researchers to address the challenges posed by arsenic contamination. The book sheds light on this global environmental issue and proposes solutions to aquatic contamination through multi-disciplinary sustainable approaches and case studies from different parts of the world. The chapters contained here present the status quo in different parts of the world and provide essential information on arsenic exposure risks for humans as well as possible measures for tackling arsenic poisoning. The mechanisms of arsenic uptake, translocation and distribution in plants and grains are also explained. In closing, the book reviews a variety of prospective sustainable solutions to the problem of arsenic accumulation in soil and water. The book is comprised of three sections. The first section describes the routes of exposure to environmental arsenic and its transport in soil and aquatic ecosystems. The second section explains the health risks linked to arsenic exposure in food and the environment. The third section addresses sustainable arsenic contamination mitigation strategies using the potential applications of recent biological technology such as biotechnology, bioremediation, phytoremediation, biochar, absorbent, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology approaches. The book is intended for a broad audience including researchers, scientists, and readers with diverse backgrounds.

Arsenic contamination in drinking water and crops is a major health issue in many countries worldwide, threatening the health of millions of people due to arsenic’s toxicity and carcinogenicity. This edited volume brings together a diverse group of environmental science, sustainability and health researchers to address the challenges posed by arsenic contamination. The book sheds light on this global environmental issue and proposes solutions to aquatic contamination through multi-disciplinary sustainable approaches and case studies from different parts of the world. The chapters contained here present the status quo in different parts of the world and provide essential information on arsenic exposure risks for humans as well as possible measures for tackling arsenic poisoning. The mechanisms of arsenic uptake, translocation and distribution in plants and grains are also explained. In closing, the book reviews a variety of prospective sustainable solutions to the problem of arsenic accumulation in soil and water. The book is comprised of three sections. The first section describes the routes of exposure to environmental arsenic and its transport in soil and aquatic ecosystems. The second section explains the health risks linked to arsenic exposure in food and the environment. The third section addresses sustainable arsenic contamination mitigation strategies using the potential applications of recent biological technology such as biotechnology, bioremediation, phytoremediation, biochar, absorbent, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology approaches. The book is intended for a broad audience including researchers, scientists, and readers with diverse backgrounds.

This book addressed an in-depth comprehension of the classifications and characterizations of POPs, which have become global issues due to bioaccumulation, persistency, and toxicity. It represents the milestones of the development of pesticide application, industry, and management. Banned SC-POPs have special investigations. It discusses air-sea exchange, ocean currents, phase distribution, speciation, adsorption, desorption, and degradation as the key processes that control POP's fate. The book explores several aspects of POP chemistry that have a direct influence on their biochemical and toxicological consequences. The book illustrates the dynamic equilibriums influencing the proportion of a POP's gaseous, liquid, and solid phases. The book discussed POP migration by referring to the grasshopper effect. It also explores the impacts of climate change on emissions and the fate of POPs through a global-scale multimedia fate model. Additionally, it displays the impact of potential global change scenarios on POP bioaccumulation patterns. The book is directed at giving a deep discussion of the method's QA/QC process for POP determination and has verified the accuracy and precision of the procedures. As a distinctive point, it discusses many aspects concerning the toxicity of POPs. It reports mechanisms describing the toxicity of POPs on immune systems, carcinogenesis, endocrine, neural, and reproductive systems. The book keeps an eye on a model describing the global distribution and toxicity of PAHs. Among the exclusive points in the book is the evaluation of the recent ecological status in Egypt relative to POPs through a time-scale overview and recent case studies. It provides thematic literature related to DDC research in Africa through the WoS and Scopus databases from 1949 to 2021. The book emphasizes models for predicting the annual contribution rate of POPs as a way to raise public awareness about POPs. The greatest challenge for the book is how to motivate the audience to be aware of these hazardous materials in marine ecosystems. Moreover, this book will be of great interest to academics, professionals, practitioners, post-graduate students, and undergraduates because it gives a clear overview of POPs in the marine environment. It also provides decision-makers with a realistic perspective of the environmental file, allowing them to address environmental issues and directing stockholders to safer locations for environmental activity. From a future perspective, the regulation of pervasive POPs, with special reference to recently evaluated harmful substances (PFASs), has faced significant challenges in the wake of pressure from regulators.

This book addressed an in-depth comprehension of the classifications and characterizations of POPs, which have become global issues due to bioaccumulation, persistency, and toxicity. It represents the milestones of the development of pesticide application, industry, and management. Banned SC-POPs have special investigations. It discusses air-sea exchange, ocean currents, phase distribution, speciation, adsorption, desorption, and degradation as the key processes that control POP's fate. The book explores several aspects of POP chemistry that have a direct influence on their biochemical and toxicological consequences. The book illustrates the dynamic equilibriums influencing the proportion of a POP's gaseous, liquid, and solid phases. The book discussed POP migration by referring to the grasshopper effect. It also explores the impacts of climate change on emissions and the fate of POPs through a global-scale multimedia fate model. Additionally, it displays the impact of potential global change scenarios on POP bioaccumulation patterns. The book is directed at giving a deep discussion of the method's QA/QC process for POP determination and has verified the accuracy and precision of the procedures. As a distinctive point, it discusses many aspects concerning the toxicity of POPs. It reports mechanisms describing the toxicity of POPs on immune systems, carcinogenesis, endocrine, neural, and reproductive systems. The book keeps an eye on a model describing the global distribution and toxicity of PAHs. Among the exclusive points in the book is the evaluation of the recent ecological status in Egypt relative to POPs through a time-scale overview and recent case studies. It provides thematic literature related to DDC research in Africa through the WoS and Scopus databases from 1949 to 2021. The book emphasizes models for predicting the annual contribution rate of POPs as a way to raise public awareness about POPs. The greatest challenge for the book is how to motivate the audience to be aware of these hazardous materials in marine ecosystems. Moreover, this book will be of great interest to academics, professionals, practitioners, post-graduate students, and undergraduates because it gives a clear overview of POPs in the marine environment. It also provides decision-makers with a realistic perspective of the environmental file, allowing them to address environmental issues and directing stockholders to safer locations for environmental activity. From a future perspective, the regulation of pervasive POPs, with special reference to recently evaluated harmful substances (PFASs), has faced significant challenges in the wake of pressure from regulators.

This innovative book tackles the pressing global environmental issue of microplastic pollution, with a particular focus on the diverse and ecologically significant regions of Africa and Asia. Through comprehensive analysis, it unveils the alarming extent of microplastic contamination in these regions, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action. The book provides a thorough introduction to microplastics, exploring their composition, formation process, and mechanisms of infiltration into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It explains their transport mechanisms, their presence in air, water, soil, sediments, wetlands, and their far-reaching ecological impacts on food security and human health. It investigates their direct and indirect effects on public health, including inhalation, ingestion, toxicological implications, and overall consequences. The book also examines the interactions between human activities, socioeconomic factors, and microplastic proliferation across different environmental compartments. Drawing insights from case studies across coastal cities and remote rural areas, the book illustrates the scope and magnitude of this problem in Africa and Asia. Furthermore, it provides an overview of analytical techniques and methodologies employed in microplastic research, such as GIS, remote sensing, spectroscopy, and computational modelling. It meticulously analyzes current mitigation techniques, best practices, policy frameworks, and the role of public awareness in addressing this issue. The book offers insights into future research directions, mitigation strategies, and broader ecological and human health aspects of microplastic pollution. Designed as a graduate-level resource, this interdisciplinary book is invaluable for researchers across disciplines, policymakers working in these regions, and anyone concerned about the pervasive issue of microplastic pollution and its far-reaching consequences across several other regions of the world.