Effects of Pollutants on the Biosphere Biodegradability, Toxicity, and Risks

Effects of Pollutants on the Biosphere Biodegradability, Toxicity, and Risks 

As shown in the previous chapter, numerous pollutants may be classified in terms of the environmental sector on which they make an impact (e.g., air pollutants). They can also be classified according to the transformations that they undergo in the environment (e.g., chemical substances may be biodegradable or recalcitrant, as discussed below). More importantly, they can be classified by the hazards they pose to human health and the ecosystems. The latter aspects are closely related to the chemical structure and characteristics of the discharged substances and their interactions with the environment and its organisms. 

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