Download or read book Zinc in the Environment: Health effects written by Jerome O. Nriagu and published by . This book was released on 1980 with total page 506 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: A comprehensive examination of the role of zinc in the environment focuses on the chemical behavior and biological effects of zinc in the earth, air, water and biosphere. Although zinc is essential for life, excess amounts may be toxic. Biological, chemical, ecological, geological and clincial studies of zinc are reviewed. Part I describes sources, distribution and deposition of zinc as it flows throughout the environment--in soils, sediments, limestone, the atmosphere and natural, urban and waste waters. Three chapters cover zinc cycling in the ecology of marine, freshwater and forest ecosystems. Part II examines the relationship of zinc to biological and ecological health and disease. Effects of zinc deficiency in plants, animals and man, and biochemical aspects of zinc metabolism are discussed. Specific chapters address the function of zinc in lead poisoning, pregnancy, tumorgenesis and wound healing. Other topics include zinc uptake, accumulation, toxicity, tolerance and transport.