ABSTRACT
Ecotoxicology studies pollutants and their effects on the biosphere and its constituents. Their effects on non-human targets vary from the bio-molecular to global level. It is linked with the study of the harmful effects of various chemical, biological, and physical agents on living organisms, and also includes pollution studies, residue analysis, industrial hygiene, and occupational health. A pollutant’s chemical form, phase connection, and transference among the components of the biosphere are also vital issues in ecotoxicology as they decide the exposure, bioavailability, and recognized dose. The related exposure routes are ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Knowledge about the impacts of poisons and toxic elements helps in safeguarding humans and the environment from the detrimental effects of toxicants and in developing anti-cancer therapeutic drugs. This chapter discusses the basics of environmental toxicology and pertains to the sources of toxic compounds, classification of toxicants, types of toxicity, factors affecting toxicity, environmental persistence, and toxicity testing.
