Abstract
Arsenic Toxicity—Prevention and Treatment is a comprehensive review of arsenic, which is characterized as the “most talked about metalloid in the modern world.” Dr Chakrabarty has assembled 39 experts from India (12), Brazil (6), Greece (6), the United States (5), South Korea (3), Spain (2), China (2), Italy (1), Japan (1), and Chile (1) in an extensive volume that is divided into 4 distinct sections. The volume presents background on the primary sources of arsenic, how exposure occurs, and the effects of exposure. It then focuses on the various methods of arsenic removal mainly from soil and water as well as mitigation of arsenic toxicity postexposure.
Section 1 is entitled Arsenic toxicity, propagation and proliferation and is subdivided into 4 chapters, which sets the stage for understanding the numerous sources of arsenic and how close proximity of this metalloid can affect biological systems. Chapter 1 is an overview of the source of arsenic: the effects, mechanisms of action, types of effects, types of treatments, and types of remediation. Chapter 2 provides a discussion of the chemistry of arsenic toxicity and the types of changes affected by its presence in the various valences and chemical states. The chapter also explains the different valence states and speciation of arsenic and how the state is critical to the degree of expression of biological toxicity. Chapter 3 presents the basic arsenic toxicological details of acute and chronic exposures and its progression through various stages of malignancy. The routes of exposure are also thoroughly covered in this chapter. There is an extensive discussion of the effects of exposures of organic versus inorganic arsenic, the length of potential exposures, the sources and routes of exposure as well as the adsorption, distribution metabolism, and excretion of arsenic in mammalian systems. Chapter 4 details the geochemistry and speciation of arsenic as it occurs in nature and how it can change under various environmental conditions. The degree of toxicity to an organism is also dependent upon microbial metabolism, which can affect not only toxicity but also arsenic mobility within the environment.
Section 2 is entitled Remediation and is presented in 7 chapters. Chapter 5 covers biological treatment methods to rid ground waters of arsenic. Chapter 6 provides an in-depth discussion of methods of ground water remediation such as filtration, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane processes, and reverse osmosis. Chapter 7 presents various bioremediation techniques including the use of microorganisms and plants. Chapter 8 provides a critique of recent literature on biosorption techniques in arsenic bioremediation. Chapter 9 discusses remediation techniques utilized in foodstuffs and the need to strengthen our methods of prevention of its occurrence. Chapter 10 presents phytoremediation techniques as cost-effective methods that can extract, stabilize, and filter a large range of many types of pollutants besides arsenic. Phytoremediation is also used in conjunction with other procedures in highly contaminated areas. Chapter 11 describes in great detail mitigation effects of various plant products such as tea and curcumin when administered to various test organisms. Table 11.1 is an extensive summary of over 80 studies on mitigation effects of arsenic toxicity affected by natural plants. These studies indicate that, indeed, mitigation occurs; however, there is a paucity of clinical studies and more work needs to be performed before these remediation methods can be considered an effect tool in arsenic toxicity.
Section 3 is entitled Treatment and has 3 chapters. In the treatment of arsenic poisoning, one must be able to detect human exposure in order to diagnose acute from chronic exposure. Chapter 12 suggests that biomarkers are most useful to that end. The authors describe 3 classifications of biomarkers: exposure, effect, and susceptibility. These biomarkers can aid in the diagnosis of adverse health effects and provide valuable information for decision-making with respect to a treatment regimen. Chapter 13 presents the clinical features of chronic arsenicosis including laboratory and clinical criteria that occur with long-term exposure to arsenic. Chapter 14 presents the latest thinking and research in the management of chronic arsenicosis. Many methods of treatment are presented; however, the authors state that at present, there is no effective cure for chronic arsenicosis, and the management “relies mostly on prevention and supportive therapy.”
Section 4 is entitled Remediation of arsenic by nutraceuticals and functional food and consists of 2 chapters. Chapter 15 presents a range of additional preventive and therapeutic measures including antioxidants, flavonoids, herbal extracts, nutraceuticals, and chelators. Studies have shown that nutraceuticals can ameliorate arsenic toxicity. A detailed account of the various nutraceuticals, and their efficacy are described in this chapter. Chapter 16 discusses the effectiveness of functional foods in protecting against arsenic-induced toxicity and poisoning. Items covered include selenomethionine, curcumin, lipoic acid, probiotics, zinc, folic acid, phosphates, vitamins A and E, methionine, Moringa oleifera leaves, jaggery, and boron compounds.
In conclusion, I found Arsenic Toxicity—Prevention and Treatment by Narayan Chakrabarty to be an excellent reference text for the latest arsenic remediation techniques. The current leading experts in the field present the latest thinking and cutting edge research in the management of arsenic toxicity and remediation. The book is well organized, and each chapter provides an outline for quick reference. Although there is considerable literature available on arsenic, this volume contains the latest references and best minds in arsenic remediation and placed it into a single volume. I recommend this comprehensive book to toxicologists, remediation specialists, and clinicians involved in assessing the toxic effects and treatment of arsenic exposure in humans as well as remediation of the environment.
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