Book Review

by Paul Ganderton

Moriarty F. 1999. Ecotoxicology - the study of pollutants in ecosystems. 3rd ed. Academic Press. pp xi + 347. ISBN 0 12 506763 1.

Since the review of the second edition in 1988 there have been numerous changes in this subject linked to its increasing importance as a field of study. Ecotoxicology is the study of the toxic effects of pollutants on ecosystems and organisms. Some of these effects might be lethal (consider Carson's 'Silent Spring' in this regard) although greater harm can arise from sub-lethal doses in terms of genetic defects. Moriarty seeks to guide the reader through the basic concepts starting with population dynamics. It is only by studying the population characteristics that one can see effects of pollution. This chapter is followed by one dealing with community population dynamics. Chapter 4 examines genetics and the impact of pollution. Although pollutants affect individuals their loss might affect the ecosystem as a whole. This aspect is studied using major examples such as global warming, acid rain and sulphur dioxide. A chapter specific to the individual and their reaction to pollution follows. From this point, the book focusses on prediction and monitoring/assessment. Neither of these is a precise science and the limitations are discussed. The penultimate chapter looks briefly at four case studies chosen to illustrate the concepts of the book. All are classic pollution cases - the peregrine falcon, spruce budworm, the River Thames and oil. By using current examples, the author demonstrates the value of the topic. A concluding chapter finishes the text. This is a good guide to the subject but not one for beginners - it requires some understanding of basic ecology and pollution to get the most out of it. It is worth persevering because it sets out, as few other texts in this area have, to highlight the importance of this topic to us.