Free Radicals in Biology and Environment

Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Bardolino, Italy, 21-26 June 1996 Our understanding of the quantitative aspects of free radical chemistry and the involvement of radicals in such areas as biology, medicine and the environment has developed over recent years, yet the various topics are commonly discussed separately, in specific meetings and specialized publications. This volume 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). 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.