Our understanding of the quantitative aspects of free radical chemistry
and the involvement of radicals in such areas as biology, medicine, the
environment, etc., has developed spectacularly over recent years, yet
the various topics are commonly discussed separately, in specific
meetings and specialised publications. Free Radicals in Biology and
Environment draws together two important areas of free radical
chemistry, using as a bridge the fundamental physical chemistry of free
radicals (spectroscopic detection of free radicals, evaluation of
absolute rate constants, elucidation of mechanisms of free radical
reactions and catalysis, photochemical and radiation processes, etc.).
The most relevant topics covered are the EPR detection of radicals in
biochemical systems and in pollutant formation and degradation,
oxidation processes in biology and in the troposphere, radiation and
induced damage, and atmospheric pollutants arising from incomplete
combustion. Also covered are the chemistry and biochemistry of nitric
oxide and peroxynitrite, the chemistry and biochemistry of DNA radicals,
the role of radicals in myeloperoxidase, lignineperoxidase, radicals and
cardiovascular injury, radiation and the fragmentation of cells and
tissues.