Molecular Imaging, Radiochemistry, and Environmental Pollutants

J Nucl Med. 2023 Aug;64(8):1179-1184. doi: 10.2967/jnumed.122.265209. Epub 2023 Jul 13.

Abstract

The worldwide proliferation of persistent environmental pollutants is accelerating at an alarming rate. Not surprisingly, many of these pollutants pose a risk to human health. In this review, we examine recent literature in which molecular imaging and radiochemistry have been harnessed to study environmental pollutants. Specifically, these techniques offer unique ways to interrogate the pharmacokinetic profiles and bioaccumulation patterns of pollutants at environmentally relevant concentrations, thereby helping to determine their potential health risks.

Keywords: PET imaging; SPECT imaging; environmental pollutants; fluorescence imaging; molecular imaging.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Pollutants* / analysis
  • Humans
  • Molecular Imaging
  • Radiochemistry

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants