Marine Pollution and Human Health

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

Priority pollutants, emerging contaminants, and plastics are investigated as are the effects of climate change on pollution. Some phytoplankton produce biotoxins which accumulate in the flesh of filter-feeders such as bivalve molluscs. This creates a health risk when the shellfish are consumed by humans. The penultimate chapter, therefore, concentrates on harmful algal blooms (HABs) and the methodologies used to safeguard human health. The book concludes by proposing a holistic systems approach, such as Integrated Coastal Zone Management, to address the interconnected scientific challenges of increased human population pressure, pollution, over-exploitation of food resources, and the urgent need for effective public health solutions to be developed from politically and environmentally meaningful policies.

Marine Environment &
Human Health: An Overview
Waterborne Pathogens
Estuarine and Marine Pollutants
Harmful Algal Blooms
Scientific Challenges and Policy Needs