Biomonitoring of Coastal Waters and Estuaries

This volume presents techniques on chemical and biological monitoring of biota in estuaries and coastal waters that have been applied successfully in the real environment. The detection of man-made adverse effects upon this ecosystem is illustrated for various biological organizational levels, from biological entities to communities. Several groups of biota that are typically being used in biomonitoring studies in the coastal environment are covered, such as molluscs, crustaceans, corals, fish, and macrophytes. Each chapter presents a review of practically applied techniques, such as the analysis for biomarkers, genotoxicity, chemical monitoring of organisms and plants, and the use of community structure monitoring. Each technique is illustrated by actual case studies from temperate and tropical regions throughout the world. A detailed appendix describing such practical aspects as chemicals, logistics, instrumentation, and statistics is provided for each chapter.