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Elsevier

Books in Environmental sciences

The Environmental Sciences titles present critical research and insights into the complex interactions within natural ecosystems, climate systems, and human impacts on the environment. Covering areas such as biodiversity, sustainability, climate change, and resource management, these titles support scientific discovery and practical solutions for addressing today’s most pressing environmental challenges. This collection is essential for researchers, policymakers, and students dedicated to advancing environmental understanding and stewardship

  • Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects IV

    • 1st Edition
    • W.R. Chappell + 2 more
    • English
    This collected volume of authoritative articles represents the state-of-the-art in arsenic research. Arsenic experts from around the world, participants in the Fourth International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects organized by the Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health in 2000, present their critical findings.A vital contribution to arsenic study and policy making, this volume examines the global impact of the toxin and discusses arsenic in the environment, mechanisms of arsenic metabolism and carcinogenesis, water treatment technology, and medical care. Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects offers informed, challenging insights into a highly important and controversial topic.

  • CO2 in Seawater: Equilibrium, Kinetics, Isotopes

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 65
    • R.E. Zeebe + 1 more
    • English
    Carbon dioxide is the most important greenhouse gas after water vapor in the atmosphere of the earth. More than 98% of the carbon of the atmosphere-ocean system is stored in the oceans as dissolved inorganic carbon. The key for understanding critical processes of the marine carbon cycle is a sound knowledge of the seawater carbonate chemistry, including equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties as well as stable isotope fractionation.Presen... the first coherent text describing equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties and stable isotope fractionation among the elements of the carbonate system. This volume presents an overview and a synthesis of these subjects which should be useful for graduate students and researchers in various fields such as biogeochemistry, chemical oceanography, paleoceanography, marine biology, marine chemistry, marine geology, and others.The volume includes an introduction to the equilibrium properties of the carbonate system in which basic concepts such as equilibrium constants, alkalinity, pH scales, and buffering are discussed. It also deals with the nonequilibrium properties of the seawater carbonate chemistry. Whereas principle of chemical kinetics are recapitulated, reaction rates and relaxation times of the carbonate system are considered in details. The book also provides a general introduction to stable isotope fractionation and describes the partitioning of carbon, oxygen, and boron isotopes between the species of the carbonate system. The appendix contains formulas for the equilibrium constants of the carbonate system, mathematical expressions to calculate carbonate system parameters, answers to exercises and more.

  • Advances in Virus Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 57
    • English
    The collection of articles in this volume include Animal Circoviruses; Evolutions, Epidemiology and Dispersal of Flaviviruses; Hantavirus Infections in Europe; Forest Insect Pests; and Whiteflies: Vectors and Victims of Geminivirus.

  • Streams

    Their Ecology and Life
    • 1st Edition
    • Colbert E. Cushing + 1 more
    • English
    Streams is a handbook that combines a discussion of the ecology of streams and rivers, in layperson language, with an illustrated field guide of the plants and animals found in running waters of North America. Various illustrations and maps accompany the text. The authors are extremely well known--Cushing is the lead content provider for an America On-Line service provided through Trout Unlimited entitled "Ask Dr. Cushing." He is frequently asked the sorts of questions that are answered in this field guide. J. David Allan is the author of a well known textbook in Aquatic Ecology.

  • Advances in Ecological Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 32
    • English
    Advances in Ecological Research presents a wide range of papers on all aspects of ecology. Topics include the physiology, populations, and communities of plants and animals, as well as landscape and ecosystem ecology. In 1999 the Institute for Scientific Information released figures indicating that this serial has an impact factor of 9.6 and a half-life of 10.0 years, ranking it first in the highly competitive category of ecology.

  • Fundamentals of Ecological Modelling

    Applications in Environmental Management and Research
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 21
    • S.E. Jorgensen
    • English
    This is a thoroughly revised and updated edition of an authoritative introduction to ecological modelling. Sven Erik Jørgensen, Editor-in-Chief of the journal Ecological Modelling, and Giuseppe Bendoricchio, Professor of Environmental Modelling at the University of Padova, Italy, offer compelling insights into the subject. This volume explains the concepts and processes involved in ecological modelling, presents the latest developments in the field and provides readers with the tools to construct their own models. The Third Edition features:• A detailed discussion and step-by-step outline of the modelling procedure.• An account of different model types including overview tables, examples and illustrations.• A comprehensive presentation of the submodels and unit processes used in modelling. • In-depth descriptions of the latest modelling techniques.• Structured exercises at the end of each chapter. • Three mathematical appendices and a subject index.This practical and proven book very effectively combines the theory, methodology and applications of ecological modelling. The new edition is an essential, up-to-date guide to a rapidly growing field.

  • Advances in Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology

    Molecular Technology, Nutrient Removal, Sludge Reduction, and Environmental Health
    • 1st Edition
    • T. Matsuo + 3 more
    • English
    This book is the result of the international symposium, "Establishment and Evaluation of Advanced Water Treatment Technology Systems Using Functions of Complex Microbial Community", organized in 2000 at the University of Tokyo. The volume presents the most recent progress in application of microbial community analysis, health-related microorganisms management, nutrient removal, waste sludge minimization and materials recovery, and water management in tropical countries.Included in this work are the following major topics in wastewater treatment: application of various innovative techniques of molecular biology such as FISH, DGGE to microbial community analysis of various types of wastewater treatment; microbial aspect of biological removal of nitrogen and phosphorus; emission of nitrous oxide during nitrogen transformation; reduction of sludge production in the wastewater treatment process using membrane and material recovery of biopolymer and cell of photosynthetic bacteria.Health-rela... microbiology in water supply and water management using recent innovative molecular biological tools is presented and health risk management is discussed. The practical application of wastewater treatment in developing countries, especially tropical countries is also reviewed.Researchers in the field of environmental engineering and applied microbiology, and practical engineers who wish to learn the most recent progress in the microbiological aspect of water and wastewater management, will find this book a useful tool.

  • Coal Energy Systems

    • 1st Edition
    • Bruce G. Miller
    • English
    Coal is currently a major energy source in the United States as well as throughout the world, especially among many developing countries, and will continue to be so for many years. Fossil fuels will continue to be the dominant energy source for fueling the United States economy, with coal playing a major role for decades. Coal provides stability in price and availability, will continue to be a major source of electricity generation, will be the major source of hydrogen for the coming hydrogen economy, and has the potential to become an important source of liquid fuels. Conservation and renewable/sustainabl... energy are important in the overall energy picture, but will play a lesser role in helping us satisfy our energy demands. This book is a single source covering many coal-related subjects of interest ranging from explaining what coal is, where it is distributed and quantities it can be found in throughout the world, technical and policy issues regarding the use of coal, technologies used and under development for utilizing coal to produce heat, electricity, and chemicals with low environmental impact, vision for untilizing coal well into the 21st century, and the security coal presents.

  • Environmental Contamination in Antarctica

    A Challenge to Analytical Chemistry
    • 1st Edition
    • S. Caroli + 2 more
    • English
    This thought-provoking and ambitious volume surveys the causes and extent of environmental contamination in Antarctica, and looks critically at future prospects. It highlights the key role that modern techniques of analytical chemistry play in achieving reliable empirical data in this field and their impact on shaping legal provisions. Written by prominent scientists and experts in Antarctic sciences, this work gives an overview of the studies undertaken by countries to assess the impact of pollution phenomena on the uniquely clean environment of Antarctica. Empirical studies and regulatory issues are evaluated in context with the goal of providing a model approach to more polluted areas of the world.

  • Hazardous Waste Compliance

    • 1st Edition
    • Clifford Florczak + 1 more
    • English
    Hazardous Waste Compliance concentrates on government regulations as they relate to hazardous waste and other hazardous materials. The main focus of this book is on how to comply with these requirements as well as on other best management practices (BMP), which will ensure worker safety and business protection from the risk of the commercial penalties associated with regulations breaches. The authors provide the reader with useful techniques to enhance worker protection and promote efficiency, productivity and cost effectiveness, along with achieving the necessary quality standards for the work being performed. The authors further outline and define methods to help reduce worker injury and illness, the scope and application of HAZWOPER, and ways to implement hazardous material related requirements through enhancements of existing programs. In addition, detailed discussion helps to provide methods to help promote consistency in health and safety program development for handling hazardous materials, encourage a high standard for health and safety, and share lessons learned to help provide approaches that have been implemented on hazardous waste and other sites.

  • Herpetology

    An Introductory Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles
    • 2nd Edition
    • Laurie J. Vitt + 2 more
    • English
    Herpetology, Second Edition has been thoroughly revised. The text has been reorganized, new chapters have been added, new text references have been inserted. All this plus new color systematics sections will maintain this book as THE leading textbook on the biology of amphibians and reptiles. The book will also showcase reptiles and amphibians as model systems in conceptual areas of biology. Such a text will help integrate herpetology as a discipline into conceptually oriented undergraduate programs. The book should also appeal to a large audience of sophisticated lay people interested in reptiles and amphibians.

  • Metabolic Maps

    Pesticides, Environmentally Relevant Molecules and Biologically Active Molecules
    • 1st Edition
    • Hiroyasu Aizawa
    • English
    People working in development of drugs, pesticides, washing detergents, etc., are obliged by law to conduct analyses of the "metabolic pathways" or "maps" for the chemical compounds that they are using or proposing. Everyone in these industries or carrying out research toward such products is therefore interested in having a reference on these compounds.

  • Marine Microbiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 30
    • English
    Written by experts in the field, Marine Microbiology presents the latest experimental techniques in the detail required for modern environmental microbiological research. Chapters start with the introduction and background of a particular method, followed by a concise description of the procedures involved. There is also a list of vendors who supply critical components which includes names, addresses, and websites at the end of each chapter.

  • Ecological Geography of the Sea

    • 1st Edition
    • Alan R. Longhurst
    • English
    This book presents an in-depth discussion of the biological and ecological geography of the oceans. It synthesizes locally restricted studies of the ocean to generate a global geography for the vast marine world. Ecological Geography of the Sea is the first comprehensive attempt to divide the ocean into distinguishable regions that permit detailed comparisons. Based on patterns of algal ecology, the book divides the ocean into four primary compartments, which are then subdivided into secondary compartments. The secondary compartments are identified and characterized by biogeochemical features including nutrient dynamics, continental shelf topography, and algal blooms. Because ocean-wide regional classification has broad impact on the way oceanographers and ecologists study ocean patterns, this book will have wide and long-term appeal.

  • Limnology

    Lake and River Ecosystems
    • 3rd Edition
    • Robert G. Wetzel
    • English
    Limnology is the study of the structural and functional interrelationships of organisms of inland waters as they are affected by their dynamic physical, chemical, and biotic environments. Limnology: Lake and River Ecosystems, Third Edition, is a new edition of this established classic text. The coverage remains rigorous and uncompromising and has been thoroughly reviewed and updated with evolving recent research results and theoretical understanding. In addition, the author has expanded coverage of lakes to reservoir and river ecosystems in comparative functional analyses.

  • Advances in Marine Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 40
    • English
    Volume 40 is a standard volume with reviews on three wide-ranging topics: parasites found on the Atlantic cod; the biology of mangrove trees and mangrove swamp ecosystems; and structural, histochemical, and functional aspects of the epidermis (skin/outside layer) of fishes.

  • Plutonium in the Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • A. Kudo
    • English
    The first volume of the new series, Radioactivity in the Environment, focuses on the environmental occurrence, the speciation, the behaviour, the fate, the applications and the health consequences of that much-feared and much-publicised element, plutonium. Featuring a collection of selected, peer-reviewed, up-to-date papers by leading researchers in the field, this work provides a state-of-the-art description of plutonium in the environment.This title helps to explain where present frontiers are drawn in our continuing efforts to understand the science of environmental plutonium and will help to place widespread concerns into perspective.As a whole this new book series on environmental radioactivity addresses, at academic research level, the key aspects of this socially important and complex interdisciplinary subject. Presented objectively and with the ultimate authority gained from the many contributions by the world's leading experts, the negative and positive consequences of having a radioactive world around us will be documented and given perspective.

  • Behavioral Ecology of Tropical Birds

    • 1st Edition
    • Bridget J.M. Stutchbury + 1 more
    • English
    This book examines behavioral adaptations of tropical birds in timing of breeding, life history traits, mating systems and parental care, territoriality, communication, and biotic interactions, and emphasizes the many gaps in our knowledge of tropical birds. We urge students and researchers in temperate and tropical regions alike to realize the potential they have for improving our knowledge of avian adaptations far beyond what is currently accepted as gospel. Time is running out.

  • Muddy Coast Dynamics and Resource Management

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • B.W. Flemming + 2 more
    • English
    Muddy coasts are land-sea transitional environments commonly found along low-energy shorelines which either receive large annual supplies of muddy sediments, or where unconsolidated muddy deposits are being eroded by wave action.In providing 21 case studies in different parts of the world this book provides an up-to-date review of the state of the art in muddy coast research. Issues dealing with hydrodynamics and suspended matter transport, erosion, deposition, and sediment budgets on tidal flats, primary production, nutrient fluxes and mineralization in lagoons are treated in a multi disciplinary manner. Most articles deal with issues which are of relevance with respect to global warming and future sea level rise.

  • World Resources 2000-2001

    People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life
    • 1st Edition
    • C. Rosen
    • English
    World Resources 2000-2001, People and Ecosystems: The Fraying Web of Life focuses on the critical link between ecosystems and people and provides an overview of current global environmental and economic trends using hundreds of indicators in more than 150 countries. Until now there has not been a comprehensive, formalised process to assess human damage to our ecosystems, to establish a baseline for future actions, or to disseminate information that would aid the formulation of better policies world-wide. This book is the first reliable, comprehensive base of evidence for taking stock and taking care of the world's diverse ecosystems.deals with the critical issues that focus on the link between ecosystems and peoplehighlights the goods and services that ecosystems provide and illustrates the benefits of a better understanding and better management of the planet's natural wealthreports on pilot studies by leading scientists and international institutions assessing the state of the world's ecosystems - forests, croplands, grasslands, freshwater systems and coastal areasincreases the understanding of human dependence on natureraises awareness of environmental threatsprovides examples of wise stewardship from all corners of the globefocuses on four main issues: population and human well-being, food and water security, consumption, energy and wastes, trace emissions since the Kyoto protocolgives data tables for more than 150 countriesIt demonstrates the power of information and new digital technologies to transform the way we interact with our environment and is particularly important for environmentalists, scientists, professionals, journalists, policy-makers and students.This special Millennium Edition of the World Resources Institute's biennial report published by Elsevier Science in September 2000 in partnership with the World Resources Institute, the UN Environment Program, the UN Development Programme and the World Bank.NEW FROM APRIL 2001 -http://www.enviromo... and Environmental Modeling - An Interactive Internet Course

  • Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastes and Natural Analogues

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • W. Miller + 4 more
    • English
    Many countries are currently exploring the option to dispose of highly radioactive solid wastes deep underground in purpose built, engineered repositories. A number of surface and shallow repositories for less radioactive wastes are already in operation. One of the challenges facing the nuclear industry is to demonstrate confidently that a repository will contain wastes for so long that any releases that might take place in the future will pose no significant health or environmental risk.One method for building confidence in the long-term future safety of a repository is to look at the physical and chemical processes which operate in natural and archaeological systems, and to draw appropriate parallels with the repository. For example, to understand why some uranium orebodies have remained isolated underground for billions of years. Such studies are called 'natural analogues'.This book investigates the concept of geological disposal and examines the wide range of natural analogues which have been studied. Lessons learnt from studies of archaeological and natural systems can be used to improve our capabilities for assessing the future safety of a radioactive waste repository.

  • Encyclopedia of Biodiversity

    • 1st Edition
    • Simon A Levin
    • English
    First used in 1980, "biodiversity" often describes the abundance, variety, and genetic constitution of native animals and plants, and has been linked with politics and environmental technology. Although the 1986 National forum on biodiversity brought issues of biodiversity to the fore, the inescapable need to know more about the diversity of life on Earth continues to remain unmet.In recent years, biodiversity has influenced important scientific considerations, international agreements, conventions, conservation initiatives, political debates, and socio-economic implications. Knowledge derived from the study of biodiversity will affect the quality of life enjoyed in the future by influencing decision-making processes and aiding new discoveries.The science of biodiversity has become the science of our future. Our awareness of the loss of biodiversity has brought a long overdue appreciation of the magnitude of our loss and a determination to develop the tools to protect our future. The Encyclopedia of Biodiversity brings together, for the first time, a study of the dimensions of diversity. It examination of the services biodiversity provides, and measures to protect it. Major themes of the work include the evolution of biodiversity, systems for classifying and defining biodiversity, ecological patterns and theories of biodiversity, and an assessment of contemporary patterns and trends in biodiversity.

  • Seas at the Millennium

    An Environmental Evaluation
    • 1st Edition
    • C. Sheppard
    • English
    This valuable work, published in September 2000, provides a comprehensive review of the environmental condition of the seas of the world, sea by sea and region by region. It focuses on all aspects of man's interactions with the seas and with their biological and physical systems. The three volumes of Seas at the Millennium: an Environmental Evaluation cover issues of global and regional importance such as: biological description of the coast and continental shelf waters; development and use of the coast; landfill and its effects; pollutant discharges over time; effects of over-fishing; management methods and techniques used to ensure continued ecosystem functioning.The relative importance of water-borne and airborne routes differ in different parts of the world, so routes and paths of pollutant movement in different areas will be examined and described in their local and global context. Each chapter is written by experts in the field. The regional chapters include: an historical overview of the area concerned in environmental terms; uses to which it has been put and to which it is put today; its current environmental status and major problems arising from human use of both the sea and its watershed; informed comment on major trends, problems and successes; and recommendations for the future. The global issues chapters cover major habitats and species groups, governmental, education and legal issues, fisheries effects, remote sensing, climate change and management.

  • Principles of Pollution Abatement

    • 1st Edition
    • S. Jørgensen
    • English
    This is a much revised and expanded version of the author's previous book Principles of Environmental Science (1988), also published by Elsevier. It incorporates new tools such as ecotechnology, cleaner technology, life cycle analysis and environmental risk assessment, which have changed environmental management strategy radically over the last decade.Sven Jørgensen has worked at the Royal Danish School of Pharmacy as Professor in Environmental Chemistry since 1965, and has also held the position Professor in Environmental Technology at the Danish Agricultural University since 1978. He is Editor in Chief of Ecological Modelling and Editor of the book series Developments in Environmental Modelling.

  • Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems in Epidemiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 47
    • English
    Global problems require global information, which satellites can now provide. With ever more sophisticated control methods being developed for infectious diseases, our ability to map spatial and temporal variation in risk is more important than ever. Only then may we plan control campaigns and deliver novel interventions and remedies where the need is greatest, and sustainable success is most likely. This book presents a comprehensive guide to using the very latest methods of surveillance from satellites, including analysing spatial data within geographical information systems, interpreting complex biological patterns, and predicting risk both today and as it may change in the future. Of all infectious disease systems, those that involve free-living invertebrate vectors or intermediate hosts are most susceptible to changing environmental conditions, and have hitherto received most attention from the marriage of analytical biology with this new space technology. Accordingly, this volume presents detailed case studies on malaria, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), tick-borne infections and helminths (worms). For those who are unfamiliar with this science, and unsure how to start, the book ends with a chapter of practical advice on where to seek hands-on instruction. The lessons to be learned from these studies are applicable to many other epidemiological and ecological problems that face us today, most significantly the preservation of the world's biodiversity.

  • Trace Elements

    Their Distribution and Effects in the Environment
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 4
    • B. Markert + 1 more
    • English
    This volume discusses major areas of primary concern for the understanding of the complexity associated with ecological trace element research. These include sources and fates of trace elements; analytical techniques; and the distribution of trace elements in biota and soil and sediment reservoirs. Case studies, field work and laboratory studies intensively discussed in this volume are useful to enhance our knowledge about processes related to the biological response of trace metal stress under realistic environmental conditions.

  • Encyclopedia of Separation Science

    • 1st Edition
    • Ian D. Wilson + 2 more
    • English
    The Encyclopedia of Separation Science is the most comprehensive resource available on the theory, techniques, and applications of separation science. The work presents information on three levels. The first volume contains Level 1, which provides a broad overview of the theory of the 12 main categories of separation techniques. Volumes 2-4 (Level 2) expand coverage with detailed theoretical and technical descriptions of particular techniques. The remaining Volumes 5-9 (Level 3) cover applications of these techniques from the micro to the macro, and also from the analytical laboratory bench to large-scale industrial processes. Volume 10 consists mainly of the index. Initial access to the online version offering extensive hypertext linking and advanced search tools is available with purchase. Ongoing access is maintained for a minimum annual fee. The Encyclopedia of Separation Science is the first truly comprehensive work covering the whole of separation theory, methods, and techniques. This encyclopedia will be invaluable to researchers and professionals across a wide range of areas in academia and industry. Enclyclopedia of Separation Science is available online via ScienceDirect offering enhanced features such as extensive cross-referencing and dynamic linking. For more information please (http://www.info.sci... click here.)

  • Ancient Lakes: Biodiversity, Ecology and Evolution

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 31
    • English
    Scattered over several continents, the ancient lakes of the world have a unique uninterrupted history dating back beyond 100,000 years.Ancient lakes are, in effect, aquatic islands in which a complex of ecology, genetics and evolutionary constraints have shaped in isolation their biotas over hundreds of thousands to millions of years. The diverse faunas achieve some of the highest levels of diversity known to any habitat, offering unique opportunities as 'natural laboratories' for studying the mechanisms of evolution and speciation in situ. This internationally authored volume contains the latest research results and theories to emerge from a diverse range of studies in these lakes.Containing exciting new findings in the ecology, evolution and systematic studies of ancient lake biotas together with many suggested areas for future research, it will be essential reading for all those with a general interest in ecology, evolution and natural history.In this volume expert scientists present the latest results and perspectives from their research on the organisms of the ancient lakes. Diverse in its taxonomic coverage and themes, and international in its authorship and coverage, Ancient Lakes will appeal to all biologists interested in evolution, ecology and biodiversity.

  • Advanced Materials for Water Handling

    Composites and Thermoplastics
    • 1st Edition
    • D.V. Scott
    • English
    Rapid evolution is taking place in the water market world wide - driven by increased consumer demand allied to the rarefraction of clean water. The inherent characteristics of composites materials associated with current materials and production technology is allowing the increased use of previously high cost materials and processes at ever decreasing costs.The Handbook is designed to bring specifiers up to speed with these materials and the new areas of application associated with them, exploring the scope, performance, cost effectiveness and environmental and legislative consequences of their use.

  • Bird Census Techniques

    • 2nd Edition
    • Colin J. Bibby + 3 more
    • English
    In this book there are entire chapters devoted to the most widely used bird counting techniques, and attempts to amalgamate other counting methodologies into major groups were made. Examples of the use of methods are provided wherever possible and the relative value of various approaches for answering specific questions is also addressed.

  • Quantifying Sustainable Development

    The Future of Tropical Economies
    • 1st Edition
    • Charles A.S. Hall + 3 more
    • English
    Until recently, the phenomenal economic development of the Asian tigers, Chile, and Malaysia, as well as the sustained economic growth of the United States, painted a very desirable and optimistic picture of free markets, fiscal responsibility, and, more generally, the entire dogma of neoclassical economics. As of the fall of 1998, however, the economies of many tropical countries have contracted severely, and the enthusiasm of the developing tropics for the free market and all of its ancillary policies is decidedly cooler. Have our traditional approaches to economics been failing the developing world? This interdisciplinary book covers the conditions of the developing tropics, the resistance of some of their problems to earlier attempts at solutions, and the use of new tools to develop a much more comprehensive and empirical framework for analysis and decision making. It also presents the development of cutting edge technology that links GIS and modeling approaches with extensive databases on meteorology, soils, agricultural production, and land use. The book discusses whether development is sustainable through a synthesis of demographic, economic, and resource-specific considerations. Costa Rica is uniquely suited to this study because of its size, stage of development, democratic institutions, and national databases.A CD-ROM containing all data and programs, color images, animated models, large data tables, and references accompanies the book.

  • The Evolution of Adaptive Systems

    The General Theory of Evolution
    • 1st Edition
    • James Patrick Brock
    • English
    The data of evolutionary biology have changed in a very radical way in recent years, the most significant input to this revolution being the advances made in developmental genetics. Another recent development is a noticeable shift away from extreme specialization in evolutionary biology. In this, we are perhaps to be reminded of George Gaylord Simpson's comments: "evolution is an incredibly complex but at the same time integrated and unitary process." The main objective of this book is to illustrate how natural adaptive systems evolve as a unity--with the particular objective of identifying and merging several special theories of evolution within the framework of a single general theory. The Evolution of Adaptive Systems provides an interdisciplinary overview of the general theory of evolution from the standpoint of the dynamic behavior of natural adaptive systems. The approach leads to a radically new fusion of the diverse disciplines of evolutionary biology, serving to resolve the considerable degree of conflict existing between different schools of contemporary thought.

  • Feeding

    Form, Function and Evolution in Tetrapod Vertebrates
    • 1st Edition
    • Kurt Schwenk
    • English
    As the first four-legged vertebrates, called tetrapods, crept up along the shores of ancient primordial seas, feeding was among the most paramount of their concerns. Looking back into the mists of evolutionary time, fish-like ancestors can be seen transformed by natural selection and other evolutionary pressures into animals with feeding habitats as varied as an anteater and a whale. From frog to pheasant and salamander to snake, every lineage of tetrapods has evolved unique feeding anatomy and behavior.Similaritie... in widely divergent tetrapods vividly illustrate their shared common ancestry. At the same time, numerous differences between and among tetrapods document the power and majesty that comprises organismal evolutionary history.Feeding is a detailed survey of the varied ways that land vertebrates acquire food. The functional anatomy and the control of complex and dynamic structural components are recurrent themes of this volume. Luminaries in the discipline of feeding biology have joined forces to create a book certain to stimulate future studies of animal anatomy and behavior.

  • Reproductive Biology of Bats

    • 1st Edition
    • Elizabeth G. Crichton + 1 more
    • English
    The Reproductive Biology of Bats presents the first comprehensive, in-depth review of the current knowledge and supporting literature concerning the behavior, anatomy, physiology and reproductive strategies of bats. These mammals, which occur world-wide and comprise a vast assemblage of species, have evolved unique and successful reproductive strategies through varied anatomical and physiological specialization. These are accompanied by individual and/or group behavioral interactions, usually in response to environmental mechanisms essential to their reproductive success.

  • Advances in Marine Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 38
    • English
    Volume 38 is a standard Advances in Marine Biology volume with two reviews: "The Enhancement of Marine Fish Stocks" and "The Biology of Pandalus."Advances in Marine Biology provides in-depth and up-to-date reviews on a variety of topics. The series also includes thematic volumes that examine a particular field in detail. Recent thematic volumes are "The Biology of Calenoid Copepods" and "Walleye Pollock".

  • The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field

    Development and the Biota
    • 1st Edition
    • Joe C. Truett + 1 more
    • English
    In spite of the harsh conditions that characterize the Arctic, it is a surprisingly fragile ecosystem. The exploration for oil in the Arctic over the past 30 years has had profound effects on the plants and animals that inhabit this frozen clime. The Natural History of an Arctic Oil Field synthesizes decades of research on these myriad impacts. Specialists with years of field experience have contributed to this volume to create the first widely available synopsis of the ecology and wildlife biology of animals and plants living in close association with an actively producing oil field.

  • Waste Materials in Construction

    Science and Engineering of Recycling for Environmental Protection
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • G.R. Woolley + 2 more
    • English
    This volume presents the proceedings of the International Conference on The Science and Engineering of Recycling for Environmental Protection (WASCON 2000), of which a number of themes have been identified. All are inter-related and inter-dependent in so far as potential users of secondary, recovered or recycled material have to be assured that the material is environmentally safe and stable. It is the environmental challenge that forms a leading theme for the conference, and the themes of quality assurance and quality control support this aspect. In terms of use of 'recovered' materials, science and engineering play important and inter-dependent roles and this is reflected in themes which form the very core of the conference. Of no less importance is control of land contamination and how we propose to model for the long term impact of our aims. However dutiful and competent our ideas and studies, there has to be a measure of control and the role of legislation forms the final theme of WASCON 2000.The breadth of studies being undertaken world-wide and the innovative ideas that are expressed in papers submitted are worthy of this important subject. It is also interesting to note that papers were offered from 30 countries, a sign of the increasing awareness of the need to preserve our natural resources and utilize to the full those with which we are more familiar. This book will contribute to the understanding of and solution of environmental problems concerning the re-use of waste materials in construction.

  • Hawaii

    The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide
    • 1st Edition
    • Les Beletsky
    • English
    People travel to Hawaii for sun, sand, and surf but increasingly spend parts of their trips hiking, birdwatching, kayaking, whale-watching, or snorkeling in the island's stunning national parks and nature reserves. Ecotravellers to the islands know that Hawaii is a special place biologically, harboring many native animal and plant species that occur nowhere else on Earth. Contained in this book is all the information you need to find, identify, and learn about the island's magnificent animal life. The author visited parks and preserves, discussed wildlife with local and international experts, and then selected his color illustrations from more than 300 of the islands' most common fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds (including essentially every Hawaiian bird). You will want to have this easy-to-carry, entertainingly written, beautifully illustrated book as a constant companion on your trip.

  • Sea Water Corrosion Handbook

    • 1st Edition
    • English

  • Chemistry for Protection of the Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 23
    • A.J. Verdier + 2 more
    • English

  • Education and Safe Handling in Pesticide Application

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 18
    • E.A.H. van Heemstra-Lequin + 1 more
    • English
    Studies in Environmental Science encompasses a broad range of topics within the field of environmental science and technology. Volume 18 covers the Proceedings of the Sixth International Workshop of the Scientific Committee on Pesticides of the International Association on Occupational Health, Buenos Aires and San Carlos de Bariloche.

  • Earth System Science

    From Biogeochemical Cycles to Global Changes
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 72
    • Michael Jacobson + 3 more
    • English
    Over the last decade, the study of cycles as a model for the earth's changing climate has become a new science. Earth Systems Science is the basis for understanding all aspects of anthropogenic global change, such as chemically forced global climate change. The work is aimed at those students interested in the emerging scientific discipline.Earth Systems Science is an integrated discipline that has been rapidly developing over the last two decades. New information is included in this updated edition so that the text remains relevant. This volume contains five new chapters, but of special importance is the inclusion of an expanded set of student exercises.The two senior authors are leading scientists in their fields and have been awarded numerous prizes for their research efforts.

  • Modeling for All Scales

    An Introduction to System Simulation
    • 1st Edition
    • Howard T. Odum + 1 more
    • English
    All manner of models are used to describe, simulate, extrapolate, and ultimately understand the function of dynamic systems. These sorts of models are usually based upon a mathematical foundation that can be difficult to manipulate especially for students. Modeling for All Scales uses object-oriented programming to erect and evaluate the efficacy of models of small, intermediate and large scale systems. Such models allow users to employ intuitively based symbols and a systems ecology approach. The authors have been leaders in the systems ecology community and have originated much of the scientific vocabulary of the field. After introducing modeling and its benefits, there is a series of chapters detailing the more particular elements of successful simulation. There follows another series of chapters, each devoted to models of different sorts of systems. Small scale models of growth, competition, and evolution give way, successively, to larger and larger scale models such as international trade and the global geobiosphere. Anyone interested in an easy to use approach to modeling complex systems authored by perhaps the most original systems ecologists of the century will want this book. To further enhance the users ability to apply the lessons of this book, there is included a CD-ROM disc which provides the fundamental tools for modeling at all scales.

  • Origins of Life

    On Earth and in the Cosmos
    • 2nd Edition
    • Geoffrey Zubay
    • English
    Origins of Life on the Earth and in the Cosmos, Second Edition, suggests answers to the age-old questions of how life arose in the universe and how it might arise elsewhere. This thorough revision of a very successful text describes key events in the evolution of living systems, starting with the creation of an environment suitable for the origins of life. Whereas one may never be able to reconstruct the precise pathway that led to the origin of life on earth, one can certainly make some plausible reconstructions of it. Such discussions have greatly expanded our understanding of the principles of chemical evolution and how they compare and contrast with the principles of biological evolution. The text is strong on biochemistry and its recent applications to origins' research.

  • Interlaboratory Studies and Certified Reference Materials for Environmental Analysis

    The BCR Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 22
    • E.A. Maier + 1 more
    • English
    The participation in interlaboratory studies and the use of Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) are widely recognised tools for the verification of the accuracy of analytical measurements and they form an integral part of quality control systems used by many laboratories, e.g. in accreditation schemes. As a response to the need to improve the quality of environmental analysis, the European Commission has been active in the past fifteen years, through BCR activity (now renamed Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme) in the organisation of series of interlaboratory studies involving expert laboratories in various analytical fields (inorganic, trace organic and speciation analysis applied to a wide variety of environmental matrices). The BCR and its successor have the task of helping European laboratories to improve the quality of measurements in analytical sectors which are vital for the European Union (biomedical, agriculture, food, environment and industry); these are most often carried out in support of EC regulations, industrial needs, trade, monitoring activities (including environment, agriculture, health and safety) and, more generally, when technical difficulties hamper a good comparability of data among EC laboratories. The collaborative projects carried out so far have placed the BCR in the position of second world CRM producer (after NIST in the USA).Interlaboratory Studies and Certification of Reference Materials for Environmental Analysis gives an account of the importance of reference materials for the quality control of environmental analysis and describes in detail the procedures followed by BCR to prepare environmental reference materials, including aspects related to sampling, stabilization, homogenisation, homogeneity and stability testing, establishment of reference (or certified) values, and use of reference materials. Examples of environmental CRMs produced by BCR within the last 15 years are given, which represent more than 70 CRMs covering different types of materials (plants, biological materials, waters, sediments, soils and sludges, coals, ash and dust materials) certified for a range of chemical parameters (major and trace elements, chemical species, PAHs, PCBs, pesticides and dioxins).The final section of the book describes how to organise improvement schemes for the evaluation method and/or laboratory performance. Examples of interlaboratory studies (learning scheme, proficiency testing and intercomparison in support to prenormative research) are also given.

  • Ecosystems of Disturbed Ground

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 16
    • L.R. Walker
    • English
    As the human population inexorably grows, its cumulative impact on the Earth's resources is hard to ignore. The ability of the Earth to support more humans is dependent on the ability of humans to manage natural resources wisely. Because disturbance alters resource levels, effective management requires understanding of the ecology of disturbance. This book is the first to take a global approach to the description of both natural and anthropogenic disturbance regimes that physically impact the ground. Natural disturbances such as erosion, volcanoes, wind, herbivory, flooding and drought plus anthropogenic disturbances such as foresty, grazing, mining, urbanization and military actions are considered. Both disturbance impacts and the biotic recovery are addressed as well as the interactions of different types of disturbance. Other chapters cover processes that are important to the understanding of disturbance of all types including soil processes, nutrient cycles, primary productivity, succession, animal behaviour and competition. Humans react to disturbances by avoiding, exacerbating, or restoring them or by passing environmental legislation. All of these issues are covered in this book.Managers need better predictive models and robust data-collections that help determine both site-specfic and generalized responses to disturbance. Multiple disturbances have a complex effect on both physical and biotic processes as they interact. This book provides a wealth of detail about the process of disturbance and recovery as well as a synthesis of the current state of knowledge about disturbance theory, with extensive documentation.

  • Advances in Ecological Research

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 30
    • English
    The six reviews in this latest issue of Advances in Ecological Research cover a broad spectrum of ecology, from micro-patterns and processes, to the ecophysiology of the individual organism, to forest-scale processes. Topics covered include the possible evolutionary forces that have shaped particular strategies, and the potential and limitations for techniques in ecology, such as fractal geometry, field experiments and eddy co-variance measures. Despite this diversity of topics, there are plenty of points of contact and cross-reference.

  • Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects III

    • 1st Edition
    • W.R. Chappell + 2 more
    • English
    The Society of Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH) Third International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects was held from July 12-15, 1998 in San Diego, California. Several outstanding papers and posters generated lively discussion and debate not only about scientific issues but also about policy and regulatory issues. While developed countries are considering spending perhaps billions of dollars per year to reach concentrations of 10 micrograms per liter or less, countries like Bangladesh, India and China are trying to deal with much more severe, epidemic scale, arsenic problems with millions of dollars or less.Like its predecessors in 1994 and 1995, The Third SEGH International Conference on Arsenic Exposure and Health Effects (1998) continued the theme of global impact of arsenic. In addition, two new countries with significant arsenic problems, Inner Mongolia and Bangladesh, were represented. The Bangladesh problem could be larger than the one in West Bengal with a possible two-thirds of the population at risk. The conference also featured a session on mechanisms of cancer carcinogenesis. Several scientists presented their work on this important issue which is central to considerations of such questions as the shape of the dose-response curve at low doses. This latter issue was featured in the final session of the conference. Another session that was new and of great interest was on the treatment of victims of chronic arsenic poisoning.This was the most dynamic conference to date and this resulting monograph represents the state-of-the-art in arsenic research on a worldwide basis. It will contribute to the solution of the many problems caused by arsenic exposure throughout the world.

  • Marine Ecologonomics

    The Ecology and Economics of Marine Natural Resources Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 6
    • A.V. Souvorov
    • English
    This book outlines a framework for analysis of marine resource management incorporating ecological and economic considerations and technological feasibility. Ecologonomics - a new emerging science combining economic and ecological concepts and principles - is introduced. Its use in studying changes in natural processes occurring in the marine environment in combination with analysing economic consequences of human impact on marine ecosystems is demonstrated. A unique book, which offers a rare insight into the research achievements of Russian scientists.

  • Streams and Ground Waters

    • 1st Edition
    • Jeremy B. Jones + 1 more
    • English
    Streams around the world flow toward the sea in floodplains. All along this transit, there is exchange of water between the stream itself and the surrounding sediments which form the floodplain. Many chemical, biological, and geological processes occur when water moves back and forth between streams and these flood plain sediments. Streams and Groundwaters focuses on the consequences of water flow between streams, their underlying sediments, and surrounding landscapes. Certain to appeal to anyone interested in stream ecology, the management of stream ecosystems, or landscape ecology, this volume should become a oft-opened reference.

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