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the use of organotin compounds. Thus, in more recent times, some relatively clear-
cut cases of pollution problems associated with particular compounds or classes of
compounds appear to have been resolved—at least in more developed countries of the
world where there have been strong initiatives to control environmental pollution.
Consequently, in developed countries, there has been much less evidence for the
existence of such relatively clear-cut pollution problems in recent years. On the other
hand, concern has grown that there may be more insidious long-term effects that
have thus far escaped notice. Interest has grown in the possible effects of mixtures
of relatively low levels of contrasting types of pollutants, to which many free-living
organisms are exposed. In the extreme case, it has been suggested that ecotoxicology
might be regarded as just one type of stress, alongside others such as temperature,
disease, nutrients, etc. (Van Straalen 2003).
This third part of the topic will be devoted mainly to the problem of addressing
complex pollution problems and how they can be studied employing new biomarker
assays that exploit new technologies of biomedical science. Chapter 13 will give a
broad overview of this question. The following three chapters, “The Ecotoxicological
Effects of Herbicides,” “Endocrine Disruptors,” and “Neurotoxicity and Behavioral
Effects,” will all provide examples of the study of complex pollution problems.
The concluding chapter will attempt to look into the future. What changes are we
likely to see in pollution caused by organic compounds and in the regulatory systems
designed to control such pollution? What improvements may there be in testing pro-
cedures having regard for ethical questions raised by animal welfare organizations?
Can ecotoxicity testing become more ecologically relevant? Can more information
be gained by making greater use of field studies?
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