Includes bibliographic references and index

"Heavy metal and metalloid contamination of groundwater and surface water ecosystems involves important policy-related and ethical issues besides their more well-known scientific aspects. Heavy Metal and Metalloid Contamination of Surface and Underground Water : Environmental, Policy and Ethical Issues has brought these three dimensions under a single volume. The book presents to the readers an updated status of the nature and extent of heavy metal and metalloid contamination of water and project its future implications. In Section I, the book provides a state-of-the-art review of research findings on entry, storage and release, human health risks, and the uptake and accumulation by freshwater biota and the toxic effects experienced by them. The book also provides information on bioremediation of heavy metals and metalloids, and the possible effects of climate change on their distribution and toxicity. Section II of the book throws light on the policies and legislations adopted in several countries to deal with the vexed issue of metal contamination of waters both in a historical as well as current perspective. Special emphasis has been given on contamination of drinking water - with its attendant implications in human health. The book also treats the relevance and applications of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which forms the backbone of the water policies of several countries. In Section III, discussions focus on ethical issues arising out of heavy metal and metalloid contamination of water, and on the different ethical approaches and principles in both indigenous and other societies. Features : A systematic overview of the major facets of heavy metal and metalloid contamination of water compilation and analysis of latest research in the subject area ; Ample case studies in all chapters that highlight specific problems ; Review of policy and legislation for control of heavy metal pollution of water ; Water ethics in indigenous societies. This book will be a vital resource for students and research scholars in the field of environmental science, ecotoxicology and pollution studies"-- Provided by publisher.