| Popis: |
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are carbon-based pollutants existing in our environment for extended periods of time. POPs are of global concern due to their far-reaching presence in the environment. They are present in the lithosphere (soil), hydrosphere (water), biosphere (living beings), and atmosphere (air). Both natural and anthropogenic forms of POPs are known. POPs can be considered as “forever chemicals” as they are resistant to degradation in the ecosystem via biologically, chemically, and photolytically to varying degrees and as such are persistent in our environment. They have the ability to biomagnify via the food chain and can bioaccumulate in the various organisms in the ecosystem due to their high lipid solubility. They can be transported over long distances by water and wind and are found in many regions where there are no major sources of POPs. The comprehensive pollution of the environment and living organisms by POPs has resulted in acute as well as chronic toxic effects in many living species. Under the leadership of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Stockholm Convention of Persistent Organic Pollutants was held in 2001. In this treaty, 12 classes of organic chemicals (also referred as the “dirty dozen”) were identified as POPs. In this chapter, the source, structure, general characteristics, and uses of the intentionally produced and unintentionally formed “dirty dozen” will be disclosed. The major adverse effects caused by the “dirty dozen” on human health and the environment will be also summarized. |
