This book discusses linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth's surface and ecological and human health. It reviews the environmental geochemical cycles of natural elements and persistent toxic substances (PTS) in the environment, highlighting the degradation of soil and water resources due to human activities such as extraction and usage of minerals. There is an attempt to provide evidence concerning the health effects of consuming contaminated food, due to frequent consumption of mercury-laden fish. Lastly, sources, fates, and ecological effects of various PTS are presented, including microplastics and associated chemicals.

• Details linkages between the natural and disturbed chemical composition of the earth’s surface, and environmental and human health, focusing on food contamination.
• Discusses emerging pollutants with potential widespread hazardous effects such as bisphenol A and phthalates.
• Reviews safe food production and quality, as well as the management, regulation and policies concerning toxic chemicals.
• Contains cutting edge knowledge on safe food production and remediating technologies.
• Describes how geochemical cycling results in food contamination.

Professor Wong is a Member of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts and Chang Jiang Chair Professor of the Ministry of Education, China. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of ‘Environmental Geochemistry and Health’ for 20 years (2002-2023). Professor Wong was the Coordinator of Central and North-East Asia of ‘Regionally Based Assessment of Persistent Toxic Substances’ and a Panel Member (of 3 experts) of ‘Chemicals Management Issues of Developing Countries and Countries with Economies in Transition’, sponsored by UNEP/GEF, during 2001-2003 and 2010-2012, respectively.

His research areas included ‘Environmental toxicology’; ‘Ecological restoration’; and ‘Resource reuse’. He has published over 850 SCI papers. In addition to his PhD (Durham), he was awarded two higher Doctoral Degrees based on published papers in 1992 and 2004: DSc (Durham) and DSc (Strathclyde). Recently, he has been awarded an Honorary DSc from the Southern Federal University, Russia (31 May 2024), in recognition of his involvement as the Lead Scientist in the Mega Project on Bioremediation of Polluted Ecosystems sponsored by the Russian Government.

Professor Wong is ranked 6th for 3 years and 8th for 2 years (career-long ranking) globally in Environmental Science according to the World’s Top 2% Scientists (Stanford University, 2020-2024). Based on Research.com's Best Researchers in Various Disciplines (2023, 2024), he ranked No. 1 in China under Environmental Science.