Chemical Evolution - The Biological System of the Elements

This book is written for researchers and students interested in the function and role of chemical elements in biological or environmental systems. Experts have long known that the Periodic System of Elements (PSE) provides only an inadequate chemical description of elements of biological, environmental or medicinal importance. This book explores the notion of a Biological System of the Elements (BSE) established on accurate and precise multi-element data, including evolutionary aspects, representative sampling procedures, inter-element relationships, the physiological function of elements and uptake mechanisms. The book further explores the concept Stoichiometric Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the biological roles of chemical species. Also discussed is the idea of ecotoxicological identity cards which give a first-hand description of properties relevant for biological and toxicological features of a certain chemical element and its geo biochemically plausible speciation form. The focus of this book goes beyond both classical bioinorganic chemistry and toxicology.

List of contents

Chemical Evolution: Definition, History, Discipline.- The Biological System of the Elements (BSE).- Analyzing the Biological Roles of Chemical Species.- Stoichiometric Network Analysis (SNA)- Studies on Chemical Coordinative Reactions within Biological Material.- Significance of Water, Soil and Atmosphere for the Chemical Evolution.- Present and Future Projects on Chemical Evolutionby Means of Space Research.- Appendix.

About the author

Stefan Fränzle, born 1961, is an instructor at Zittau University (Germany), teaching environmental sciences and technology, including analytics and ecotoxicology. His main research interests are applied (environmental) photochemistry, biological element cycles and element management in organisms, including bioinorganic chemistry and ecological stoichiometry. Dr. Fränzle has so far (co)published 6 books.

Simone Wünschmann, born 1967, is an environmental scientist. She works on human and ecotoxicology with emphasis on bioindication of trace elements in mammals and human milk. Dr. Wünschmann has so far (co)published 2 books.

Summary

This book is written for researchers and students interested in the function and role of chemical elements in biological or environmental systems. Experts have long known that the Periodic System of Elements (PSE) provides only an inadequate chemical description of elements of biological, environmental or medicinal importance. This book explores the notion of a Biological System of the Elements (BSE) established on accurate and precise multi-element data, including evolutionary aspects, representative sampling procedures, inter-element relationships, the physiological function of elements and uptake mechanisms. The book further explores the concept Stoichiometric Network Analysis (SNA) to analyze the biological roles of chemical species. Also discussed is the idea of ecotoxicological identity cards which give a first-hand description of properties relevant for biological and toxicological features of a certain chemical element and its geo biochemically plausible speciation form. The focus of this book goes beyond both classical bioinorganic chemistry and toxicology.

Additional text

“This book basically gives a comprehensive view of the biological system of the elements (BSE) in the framework of chemical evolution … . This book is recommended for environmental biologists interested in the function, role, and fate of chemical elements. It may also serve as a robust textbook for university students. … this book is a fundamental milestone also for people interested in bioindication and biomonitoring (B&B) … .” (Stefano Loppi, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol. 23, 2016)
“The book explains the methodology of the field through stoichiometric network analysis and ends with recent work and future studies anticipated in space research. Figures throughout are well placed and enhance the overall quality of the text, but it is the inclusion of several informative and detailed tables that makes this book valuable to scientists studying the onset of systems (chemical or biological) driven by evolution and natural selection. … Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty.” (C. Sokolik, Choice, Vol. 53 (2), October, 2015)

Report

"This book basically gives a comprehensive view of the biological system of the elements (BSE) in the framework of chemical evolution ... . This book is recommended for environmental biologists interested in the function, role, and fate of chemical elements. It may also serve as a robust textbook for university students. ... this book is a fundamental milestone also for people interested in bioindication and biomonitoring (B&B) ... ." (Stefano Loppi, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol. 23, 2016)
"The book explains the methodology of the field through stoichiometric network analysis and ends with recent work and future studies anticipated in space research. Figures throughout are well placed and enhance the overall quality of the text, but it is the inclusion of several informative and detailed tables that makes this book valuable to scientists studying the onset of systems (chemical or biological) driven by evolution and natural selection. ... Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty." (C. Sokolik, Choice, Vol. 53 (2), October, 2015)

Product details

• Authors: Stefa Fränzle, Stefan Fränzle, Bern Markert, Bernd Markert, Simone Wünschmann
• Publisher: Springer, Berlin
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.01.2015
• EAN: 9783319143545
• ISBN: 978-3-31-914354-5
• No. of pages: 282
• Dimensions: 166 mm x 240 mm x 20 mm
• Weight: 609 g
• Illustrations: XVII, 282 p. 75 illus., 48 illus. in color.
• Subject: Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Chemistry > Inorganic chemistry