ABSTRACT
Many different chemicals are regarded as pollutants, ranging from simple inorganic ions to complex organic molecules. In this chapter, representatives will be identi–ed of all the major classes of pollutant, and their properties and occurrence will be brie¨y reviewed. These pollutants will be used as examples throughout the text. Their fate in the living environment will be the subject of the remainder of Section I. Their effects upon individuals and ecosystems will be considered in Sections II and III, respectively.
