Skip to main content
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

  • Integrated and Participatory Water Resources Management - Theory

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1a
    • Rodolfo Soncini-Sessa + 2 more
    • English
    Covering the more recent advances in Modelling, Planning, Management and Negotiations for Integrated Water Resource Management, this text brings together knowledge and concepts from Hydrology, System Analysis, Control Theory, Conflict Resolution, and Decision and Negotiation Theory. Without compromising on mathematical rigour, the book maintains a fine line between theory and application, methodology and tools, avoiding getting locked into excessively theoretical and formal development of the issues discussed. The non-technical aspects of water resource systems (such as societal, political and legal concerns) are recognized throughout the book as having a great, if not fundamental, importance to reaching an agreed-upon decision; they are therefore integrated into the more technical and mathematical issues. The book provides a unified, coordinated and comprehensive framework that will facilitate the increasingly appropriate application of the Integrated Water Resource Management paradigm by current and future practising professionals, decision-makers and scientists.

  • Integrated and Participatory Water Resources Management - Practice

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1b
    • Rodolfo Soncini-Sessa + 3 more
    • English
    A participatory and integrated procedure for the planning of water resources is presented and illustrated through its application to a real-world case study: the planning of a trans-boundary, multi-purpose, regulated lake. Methods and concepts from Hydrology, System Analysis, Optimal Control, Decision and Negotiation Theory are presented and framed in a comprehensive and coherent procedure for the efficient development of the decision-making process. Relevant theoretical and mathematical aspects are briefly presented for the non-expert reader, as well as all those practical details that are often omitted in texts, but that constitute the very essence of a project and make the difference between a successful project and a failure. The book provides practicing professionals, decision-makers and scientists with a complete, immediate example of application of the Integrated Water Resource Management paradigm.

  • Ecological Understanding

    The Nature of Theory and the Theory of Nature
    • 2nd Edition
    • Steward T.A. Pickett + 2 more
    • English
    This widely anticipated revision of the groundbreaking book, Ecological Understanding, updates this crucial sourcebook of contemporary philosophical insights for practicing ecologists and graduate students in ecology and environmental studies. The second edition contains new ecological examples, an expanded array of conceptual diagrams and illustrations, new text boxes summarizing important points or defining key terms, and new reference to philosophical issues and controversies. Although the first edition was recognized for its clarity, this revision takes the opportunity to make the exposition of complex topics still clearer to readers without a philosophical background. Readers will gain an understanding of the goals of science, the structure of theory, the kinds of theory relevant to ecology, the way that theory changes, what constitutes objectivity in contemporary science, and the role of paradigms and frameworks for synthesis within ecology and in integration with other disciplines. Finally, how theory can inform and anchor the public use of ecological knowledge in civic debates is laid out. This new edition refines the understanding of how the structure and change of theory can improve the growth and application of one of the 21st century’s key sciences.

  • Mountains: Witnesses of Global Changes

    Research in the Himalaya and Karakoram: SHARE-Asia Project
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 10
    • Renato Baudo + 2 more
    • English
    From an environmental point of view, mountains are particularly sensitive and important for monitoring the state of health of our planet. Only through distribution of meteoclimatic and atmospheric composition monitoring points in mountain regions, coupled with modelling simulations, will we be able to thoroughly analyze complex pollutant transport mechanisms and better understand imminent global changes. The Himalayan-Karakoram range. For its elevation and geographic location, represents one of the ideal places for studying long-range pollutant transport systems on a regional scale and for monitoring changes index by mechanisms that act on global scale through monsoon circulation.The Ev-K2-CNR committee with this book reached its objective of creating a unique opportunity for dialogue between major environmental scientists and experts, highlighting the close relationship between diverse themes with a common underlying thread: in-depth comprehension of the environmental phenomena which are determining the health of our planet.

  • Global Warming and Global Cooling

    Evolution of Climate on Earth
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 5
    • O.G. Sorokhtin + 2 more
    • English
    The theory of the Earth's climate evolution based on universal chemical-physical laws of matter-energy transformation is presented in the book. It shows how the process of Earth's core separation has led to formation and evolution of the hydrosphere and atmosphere. Having analyzed the processes of heat transfer in the atmosphere, the writers developed the adiabatic theory of the greenhouse effect, which was applied for analysis of climatic changes on the Earth. The influence of changes in climate on formation of mineral deposits and development of life on Earth was considered and presented based on modeling of typical climatic regimes. It shows that the anthropogenic effect on the Earth's global temperature is negligible in comparison with the effect of global forces of nature.

  • Sustainable Industrial Design and Waste Management

    Cradle-to-Cradle for Sustainable Development
    • 1st Edition
    • Salah El Haggar
    • English
    Sustainable Industrial Design and Waste Management was inspired by the need to have a text that enveloped awareness and solutions to the ongoing issues and concerns of waste generated from industry. The development of science and technology has increased human capacity to extract resources from nature and it is only recently that industries are being held accountable for the detrimental effects the waste they produce has on the environment. Increased governmental research, regulation and corporate accountability are digging up issues pertaining to pollution control and waste treatment and environmental protection. The traditional approach for clinical waste, agricultural waste, industrial waste, and municipal waste are depleting our natural resources. The main objective of this book is to conserve the natural resources by approaching 100 % full utilization of all types of wastes by cradle – to - cradle concepts, using Industrial Ecology methodology documented with case studies. Sustainable development and environmental protection cannot be achieved without establishing the concept of industrial ecology. The main tools necessary for establishing Industrial Ecology and sustainable development will be covered in the book. The concept of “industrial ecology” will help the industrial system to be managed and operated more or less like a natural ecosystem hence causing as less damage as possible to the surrounding environment.

  • A Practical Approach to Water Conservation for Commercial and Industrial Facilities

    • 1st Edition
    • Mohan Seneviratne
    • English
    Industry and commerce use vast amounts of water and in some parts of the world water is becoming a scarce commodity. We need to take more care in our future use of water, and this book is a 'best practice' manual for industrial and commercial users world-wide. It offers a practical account of the measures which can be taken to re-educate industrial and commercial users in the techniques of water saving and re-use anywhere in the world. The principles are covered in detail and supported by examples from specific industries and commercial operations. Author Mohan Seneviratne is Manager of Sydney Water's 'Every Drop Counts Business Program', which won the prestigious 2006 Stockholm Industry Water Award in recognition of how the utility is working in partnership with business, industry and government to help ensure the long-term sustainability of Sydney’s water supply.

  • Arsenic in Soil and Groundwater Environment

    Biogeochemical Interactions, Health Effects and Remediation
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • Prosun Bhattacharya + 4 more
    • English
    This volume presents the recent developments in the field of arsenic in soil and groundwater. Arranged into nine sections, the text emphasizes the global occurrences of arsenic in the environment, particularly on its source, pathways, behavior, and effects it has on soils, plants, water, animals, and humans. It also covers the diverse issues of arsenic in the mining environment, arsenic emanating from hydrothermal springs, and the geochemical modeling of arsenic adsorption to oxide surfaces. Finally, the text includes different cost effective removal mechanisms of arsenic from drinking water using natural red earth, solar oxidation, and arsenic oxidation by ferrrate.

  • A New Ecology

    Systems Perspective
    • 1st Edition
    • Sven Erik Jørgensen + 8 more
    • English
    A New Ecology presents an ecosystem theory based on the following ecosystem properties: physical openness, ontic openness, directionality, connectivity, a complex dynamic for growth and development, and a complex dynamic response to disturbances. Each of these properties is developed in detail to show that these basic and characteristic properties can be applied to explain a wide spectrum of ecological obsevations and convections. It is also shown that the properties have application for environmental management and for assessment of ecosystem health.

  • Passive Sampling Techniques in Environmental Monitoring

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 48
    • Richard Greenwood + 2 more
    • English
    Monitoring pollutants in air, soil and water is a routine requirement in the workplace, and in the wider environment. Passive samplers can provide a representative picture of levels of pollutants over a period of time from days to months by measuring the average concentrations to which they have been exposed. Air monitors are widely used, for instance to measure the exposure of workers to volatile compounds, but also for monitoring the fate of pollutants in the atmosphere. Passive sampling devices are now becomining increasingly used to monitor pollutants in rivers, coastal waters and ground water where contamination results from sources such as domestic and industrial discharges, and the use of agrochemicals. Passive Sampling Techniques in Environmental Monitoring provides a timely collection of information on a set of techniques that help monitor the quality of air, surface and ground waters. Passive sampling can provide an inexpensive means of obtaining a representative picture of quality over a period of time, even where levels of pollutants fluctuate due to discontinuous discharges or seasonal application of chemicals such as pesticides. Recent changes in legislation have increased the pressure to obtain better information than that provided by classical infrequent spot sampling.Brought together in one source, this book looks at the performance of a range of devices for the passive sampling of metals, and of non-polar and polar organic chemicals in air and in water. The strengths and weaknesses and the range of applicability of the technology are considered.

  • Handbook of Waste Management and Co-Product Recovery in Food Processing

    • 1st Edition
    • Keith W. Waldron
    • English
    The intensification of agriculture and food production in recent years has led to an increase in the production of food co-products and wastes. Their disposal by incineration or landfill is often expensive as well as environmentally sensitive. Methods to valorise unused co-products and improve the management of wastes that cannot be reused, as well as techniques to reduce the quantity of waste produced in the first place, are increasingly important to the food industry. With its distinguished editor and array of international contributors, Waste management and co-product recovery in food processing reviews the latest developments in this area and describes how they can be used to reduce waste.The first section of the book provides a concise introduction to the field with a particular focus on legislation and consumer interests, principle drivers of waste management. Part two addresses the minimisation of biowaste and the optimisation of water and energy use in food processing. The third section covers key technologies for co-product separation and recovery, such as supercritical fluid extraction and membrane filtration, as well as important issues to consider when recovering co-products, such as waste stabilisation and microbiological risk assessment. Part four offers specific examples of waste management and co-product exploitation in particular sectors such as the red meat, poultry, dairy, fish and fruit and vegetable industries. The final part of the book summarises advanced techniques, to dispose of waste products that cannot be reused, and reviews state of the art technologies for wastewater treatment.Waste management and co-product recovery in food processing is a vital reference to all those in the food processing industry concerned with waste minimisation, co-product valorisation and end waste management.

  • Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) for Pesticide Regulatory Purposes

    • 1st Edition
    • Emilio Benfenati
    • English
    Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) for Pesticide Regulatory Purposes stems from the experience of the EC funded project DEMETRA. This project combined institutes involved in the regulatory process of pesticides, industries of the sector and scientists to develop and offer original software for the prediction of ecotoxicity of pesticides. Then to be used within the dossier preparation for pesticide registration. The basis of this book is more than three-years of research activities, discussions, studies and successful models. This experience represents a useful example not only for the case of pesticides, but also for the prediction of ecotoxicity and toxicity in general. QSAR is used to link a given property of a chemical compound with some features related to its structure. The theoretical toxicological, chemical and information technology aspects will be treated considering the regulatory issues. Innovative hybrid systems will be described, for the toxicity prediction of pesticides and related compounds, directly useful for pesticide evaluation within the Dossier preparation for pesticide registration. Five endpoints will also be discussed, addressing issues as standardisation, verification, validation, accessibility, reproducibility.The driving force for Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) for Pesticide Regulatory Purposes is that all the issues of concern for end-users are analysed, discussed and solutions proposed further. An innovative feature is that, in order to offer powerful QSAR models, the book discusses and reports on integrated QSAR models, combined into a unique hybrid system.

  • The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium(III)

    • 1st Edition
    • John Vincent
    • English
    Chromium nutritional supplements are the second best selling mineral supplements after calcium as chromium is found in pills, sports drinks, chewing gums, smoothies, and numerous other products. Chromium has been promoted to promote weight loss and muscle development and most recently to be available to treat the symptoms of type 2 diabetes and related conditions. The aim of The Nutritional Biochemistry of Chromium(III) is to examine the four most controversial areas of chromium nutrition and biochemistry: - is chromium an essential element for humans and are chromium nutritional supplements of value? - what biochemical role, if any, does chromium play in the body - can large doses of chromium(III) be used to treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and related medical conditions - is the use of chromium(III) supplements a health concern. Scientific experts, who are recognized leaders in the field, weigh in with their opinions on both sides of these issues in this book.A background review of the field from 1955-1995 by Vincent opens the book and concludes with a summary by Dr. Forrest Nielsen, Center Director of the USDA's Grand Forks Human Nutrition Research Center concludes the book.

  • Introduction to Environmental Forensics

    • 2nd Edition
    • Brian L. Murphy + 1 more
    • Brian L. Murphy + 1 more
    • English
    Introduction to Environmental Forensics helps readers unravel the complexities of environmental pollution cases. It outlines techniques for identifying the source of a contaminant release, when the release occurred, and the extent of human exposure. Written by leading experts in environmental investigations, the text provides detailed information on chemical "fingerprinting" techniques applicable to ground water, soils, sediments, and air, plus an in-depth look at petroleum hydrocarbons. It gives the environmental scientist, engineer, and legal specialist a complete toolbox for conducting forensic investigations. It demonstrates the range of scientific analyses that are available to answer questions of environmental liability and support a legal argument, and provides several examples and case studies to illustrate how these methods are applied. This is a textbook that would prove useful to a range of disciplines, including environmental scientists involved in water and air pollution, contaminated land and geographical information systems; and archaeologists, hydrochemists and geochemists interested in dating sources of pollution.

  • Plant Disturbance Ecology

    The Process and the Response
    • 1st Edition
    • Edward A. Johnson + 1 more
    • English
    The media coverage of natural disasters (hurricanes, fires, floods, ice storms, etc.) indicates the prevalence of natural disasters in most, if not all, ecosystems. In order for scientists to study, understand, and ultimately predict how these disturbances affect ecosystems, it is necessary for them to know more about the physical processes involved in these disturbances and to learn how to couple these processes to the ecological systems. Essential for all ecologists, forest researchers, and conservation biologists, this book includes chapters on the disturbance processes, how the disturbance causes necrosis or death to individuals, and their effects on population or community processes. In Plant Disturbance Ecology, physical scientists who study disturbances provide an introduction to the physical disturbance processes, while ecologists relate this information to the way the vegetation responds to the disturbances. This reference is also key for all researchers hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental management.

  • UV-visible Spectrophotometry of Water and Wastewater

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 27
    • Olivier Thomas + 1 more
    • English
    UV-Visible Spectrophotometry of Water and Wastewater is the first book dedicated to the use of UV spectrophotometry for water and wastewater quality monitoring. Using practical examples the reader is shown how this technique can be a source of new methods of characterization and measurement. Easy and fast to run, this simple and robust analytical technique must be considered as one of the best ways to obtain a quantitative estimation of specific or aggregate parameters (eg. Nitrate, TOC), and simultaneously qualitative information on the global composition of water and its variation.

  • Radioactivity in the Terrestrial Environment

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 10
    • English
    The Radioactivity in the Environment Series addresses 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 is documented and given perspective. In a world in which nuclear science is not only less popular than in the past, but also less extensively taught in universities and colleges, this book series will fill a significant educational gap. Radioactivity in the Terrestrial Environment presents an updated and critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved.

  • Ecotextiles

    The Way Forward for Sustainable Development in Textiles
    • 1st Edition
    • M Miraftab + 1 more
    • English
    This book includes a carefully-chosen and edited selection of 23 papers from the Ecotextile 2004 Conference held at the University of Bolton. Ecotextiles is divided into five main parts. Part one deals with recycling and use of waste as raw materials in such areas as clothing and carpet manufacture. Part two discusses sustainability and eco-design with papers on improved design, use of sustainable fibres and manufacturing techniques. Part three reviews sustainable development and renewables, including discussion of topics such as composites made from textile waste. Part four considers waste management in such areas as dyeing and effluent treatment. The final part of the book assesses novel technologies, including new fibres and finishing techniques.As pressure from governments and consumers continues to grow, Ecotextiles is a valuable reference for the textile industry on best practice in sustainable production.

  • Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • W. R. Alexander + 1 more
    • English
    Deep Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste presents a critical review of designing, siting, constructing and demonstrating the safety and environmental impact of deep repositories for radioactive wastes. It is structured to provide a broad perspective of this multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary topic: providing enough detail for a non-specialist to understand the fundamental principles involved and with extensive references to sources of more detailed information. Emphasis is very much on “deep” geological disposal – at least some tens of metres below land surface and, in many cases, many hundred of metres deep. Additionally, only radioactive wastes are considered directly – even though such wastes often contain also significant chemotoxic or otherwise hazardous components. Many of the principles involved are generally applicable to other repository options (e.g. near-surface or on-surface disposal) and, indeed, to other types of hazardous waste.

  • Sediment Risk Management and Communication

    Sustainable Management of Sediment Resources (SEDNET), Volume 3
    • 1st Edition
    • Susanne Heise
    • English
    In dynamic river systems, effective and sustainable risk management of sediments, contaminants and their sources must be carried out on a river basin scale. A diversity of interests and risk perceptions, whether environmental, economical, or personal, as well as the broad variety of uses and functions of river systems can lead to conflicts and disagreements about how and where river systems should be managed. This requires a transparent methodology to assess environmental risks in the river basin, followed by a prioritisation of those sites where measures would yield the highest positive effect for the river basin and where financial resources could be allocated most efficiently. However, risk perceptions may only partially be influenced by scientific assessments of risk, and often also depend on a variety of factors such as personal experience and confidence in institutions. Risk managers must develop methods to balance technical and socioeconomic issues with the aim to reduce risks posed by sediments to environmental and economic resources to a level that is perceived as tolerable by society. Sediment Risk Management and Communication (Vol.3 in the SEDNET mini-series) is based on discussions that were held in the working group on "Risk Management and Communication" which was one of 4 working groups within the European Demand-Driven Sediment Research Network "SedNet". It aims to analyse the current situation in Europe with regard to sediment risk management issues, to draw conclusions from this analysis and to offer recommendations for sustainable risk management from basin to site-specific scale. This volume also available as part of a 4-volume set, ISBN 0444519599. Discount price for set purchase.

  • Oil Spill Environmental Forensics

    Fingerprinting and Source Identification
    • 1st Edition
    • Zhendi Wang + 1 more
    • English
    Oil Spill Environmental Forensics provides a complete view of the various forensic techniques used to identify the source of an oil spill into the environment. The forensic procedures described within represent various methods from scientists throughout the world. The authors explore which analytical and interpretative techniques are best suited for a particular oil spill project. This handy reference also explores the use of these techniques in actual environmental oil spills. Famous incidents discussed include the Exxon Valdez incident in 1989 and the Guanabara Bay, Brazil 2000. The authors chronicle both the successes and failures of the techniques used for each of these events. Dr. Zhendi Wang is a senior research scientist and Head of Oil Spill Research of Environment Canada, working in the oil and toxic chemical spill research field. He has authored over 270 academic publications and won a number of national and international scientific honors and awards. Dr. Wang is a member of American Chemical Society (ACS), the Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC), and the International Society of Environmental Forensics (ISEF).

  • Long-term Ecological Change in the Northern Gulf of Alaska

    • 1st Edition
    • R.B. Spies
    • English
    This comprehensive text is a major synthesis on ecological change in the Gulf of Alaska. It encompasses the structural and annual changes, forces of change, long-ecological changes in the atmosphere and ocean, plankton, fish, birds and mammals, and the effects of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. With 5 major sections, Long-term Ecological Change in the Northern Gulf of Alaska first describes the physical features, the atmosphere and physical oceanography, the annual production cycle, the forage base for higher animals and trophic transfer, and the adaptations for survival in this changing environment for 9 portal species. Then, the major forces of change are introduced: climate, geophysics, fisheries and harvesting, species interactions, disease and contaminants. Next, the long-term records of change in physical factors and biological populations are presented, as well as the potential reasons for the biological changes. Following is the history of the Exxon Valdez oil spill and its long-term effects. And, finally, the emergent properties of the ecosystem are discussed and an attempt is made to weigh the importance of the major forcing factors in terms of their temporal and spatial scales of influence.

  • Biology of the Nitrogen Cycle

    • 1st Edition
    • Hermann Bothe + 2 more
    • English
    All organisms require nitrogen to live and grow. The movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere in different forms is described by the nitrogen cycle. This book is an activity of the COST 856 Action on Denitrification. It covers all aspects of the N-cycle: chemistry, biology (enzymology, molecular biology), physics, applied aspects (greenhouse effect, N-pollution problems, practices in farming, in waste-water treatment, and more). In this book, leading editors offer the latest research available on dentrification (reduction of nitrates or nitrites commonly by bacteria- as in soil).

  • Global Climate Change and Response of Carbon Cycle in the Equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans and Adjacent Landmasses

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 73
    • Hodaka Kawahata + 1 more
    • English
    To understand the global warming mechanism, global mapping of primary production was carried out under the GCMAPS program. The program was concerned with marine and terrestrial environmental changes, which affect carbon cycle on the regional and global scales. On the regional scale, warm phase of ENSO (El Niño / Southern Oscillation) has been shown to affect economic activities in many countries. The keyword for understanding mechanism of global warming is ‘primary productivity’. The earth observation satellites (EOS) like the ADEOS of Japan, and the SeaWiFS, Sea Star and Terra of the U.S.A. provided much required data for modeling and verification of primary production estimates on both land and ocean.The knowledge gained during the GCMAPS program has been documented in this book. Interpretation of the data suggests that global warming, which causes temperature and sea level rise, and changes in climate and ecosystems, is likely to have the largest influence on mankind. The first half of this book discuss changes in marine environments. Physical and chemical oceanographic properties of the equatorial Pacific and Indian Oceans are presented. Changes in partial pressure of carbon dioxide, flux and composition of settling particles and biological communities in the surface ocean have also been discussed. In addition to this, over hundred years of environmental records based upon coral skeletons are presented. Estimations of primary production and its utilization in validating satellite imagery data were conducted in the western North Pacific. Primary productivity estimates based upon the validated satellite imagery are presented on the global scale. Climate change modeling of primary production in global oceans is also presented.The latter half of this book deals with changes in terrestrial environments. Primary productivity estimates for different types of ecosystems (e.g., forest, grassland) are presented together with soil carbon dynamics. Also, biomass and productivity estimation and environmental monitoring based upon remote sensing techniques are presented with a model analysis of the relationship between climate perturbations and carbon budget anomalies in global terrestrial ecosystems. This book elucidates integrated aspects of the global carbon cycle involving marine and terrestrial environments.

  • Peatlands

    Evolution and Records of Environmental and Climate Changes
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 9
    • I.P. Martini + 2 more
    • English
    In the past two decades there has been considerable work on global climatic change and its effect on the ecosphere, as well as on local and global environmental changes triggered by human activities. From the tropics to the Arctic, peatlands have developed under various geological conditions, and they provide good records of global and local changes since the Late Pleistocene.The objectives of the book are to analyze topics such as geological evolution of major peatlands basins; peatlands as self sustaining ecosystems; chemical environment of peatlands: water and peat chemistry; peatlands as archives of environmental changes; influence of peatlands on atmosphere: circular complex interactions; remote sensing studies of peatlands; peatlands as a resource; peatlands degradation, restoration, plus more.

  • Floods in an Arid Continent

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 39
    • English
    Nowhere are floods more paradoxical than in the generally arid Australian continent. Floods in an Arid Continent brings together experts in meteorology, hydrology, limnology, ornithology, landscape ecology, veterinary and medical sciences, economics, anthropology and sociology to synthesize current knowledge on floods, their occurrence, and their consequences for the environment and societies in the Australian context. Floods can have either beneficial or detrimental effects on the landscape and human societies. This book fills this important gap in our study and offers a multidisciplinary approach in understanding the effects of global climate change. The editors provide complete coverage on dynamics, patterns and consequences of floods, studied from several perspectives. Although the geographic focus of the book is Australia, the synthesis that is detailed in this book will undoubtedly be useful for the understanding of floods in all other regions of the planet.

  • Toxic Legacy

    Synthetic Toxins in the Food, Water and Air of American Cities
    • 1st Edition
    • Patrick Sullivan + 3 more
    • English
    Any professional examination of existing or potential new toxins in a population must account for those already present from past problems and natural conditions.Toxic Legacy provides extensive information on the occurrence of chemical hazards and their potential dangers in combinations in the food, water and air in cities around the United States. The book illustrates consumer preferences for specific food and water products, as well as particular diets and discusses the toxicity and risks associated with our exposure to synthetic chemicals. The authors offer unique guidance to environmental engineers, scientists, process engineers, and planners and specify what steps can be taken to limit exposure to complex chemical mixtures.

  • Advances in Applied Microbiology

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 60
    • English
    Published since 1959, Advances in Applied Microbiology continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in Microbiology.The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. Recent areas covered include bacterial diversity in the human gut, protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes and the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays.Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics including Archaea and “Sick Building Syndrome”.Impact factor for 2003: 1.893

  • Topics on System Analysis and Integrated Water Resources Management

    • 1st Edition
    • Andrea Castelletti + 1 more
    • English
    The Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) paradigm has been worldwide recognized as the only feasible way currently available to ensure a sustainable perspective in planning and managing water resource systems. It is the inspiring principle of the Water Framework Directive, adopted by the European Union in 2000, as well as the main reference for all the water related activity of UNESCO in the third world countries. However, very often, real world attempts of implementing IWRM fail for the lack of a systematic approach and the inadequacy of tools and techniques adopted to address the intrinsically complex nature of water systems. This book explores recent and important contributions of System Analysis and Control Theory to the technical application of such paradigm and to the improvement of its theoretical basis. Its prior aim is to demonstrate how the modelling and computational difficulties posed by this paradigm might be significantly reduced by strengthening the efficiency of the solution techniques, instead of weakening the integration requirements. The first introductory chapter provides the reader with a logical map of the book, by formalizing the IWRM paradigm in a nine-step decisional procedure and by identifying the points where the contribution of System Analysis and Control Theory is more useful. The book is then organized in three sections whose chapters analyze some theoretical and mathematical aspects of these contributions or presents design applications. The outstanding research issues on the border between System Analysis and IWRM is depicted in the last chapter, where a pull of scientists and experts, coordinated by Prof. Tony Jakeman describe the foreseeable scenario. The book is based on the most outstanding contributions to the IFAC workshop on Modelling and Control for Participatory Planning and Managing Water Systems held in Venice, September 28- October 1, 2004. That workshop has been conceived and organized with the explicit purpose of producing this book: the maximum length of the papers was unusually long (of the size of a book chapter) and only five long oral presentations were planned each day, thus allowing for a very useful and constructive discussion.

  • Elsevier's Dictionary of Soil Science

    Definitions in English with French, German, and Spanish word translations
    • 1st Edition
    • A. Canarache + 2 more
    • English
    This dictionary includes some 9200 terms, each with a definition and often and additional descriptive text in English, the terms being translated in French, German and Spanish. It is more complete than similar previously published dictionaries or glossaries, and contains all fields of soil science as well as some adjacent fields of other earth sciences, agriculture and engineering. Present concepts and definitions are detailed along with earlier concepts, not only for historical reasons but also for developing new ideas. Concepts, terms and definitions usual in literature of various countries are discussed and compared, to offer an appropriate exchange of ideas. Soil classifications and methodologies for soil investigation coming from a score of European, American and other countries and international organisations are presented, and correlations between names of soil taxa in different classifications are suggested. Readers active in all branches of soil science will find accessible answers to many of their questions, either directly referring to procedures used in the organisations where they work, or related to way of thinking in other countries. Readers active in other branches, but needing information on soils, will also find answers to this dictionary of great assistance to their research.

  • Industrial Waste Treatment

    Contemporary Practice and Vision for the Future
    • 1st Edition
    • Nelson Leonard Nemerow
    • English
    Taking the reader through the history of industrial waste treatment and directing them toward a new path of best practice, Industrial Waste Treatment illustrates how current treatment techniques are affected by regulatory and economic constraints, scientific knowledge and tolerances. This book provides the reader with the basis for a more effective method of waste treatment which is sustainable and supportive of industrial improvements. Overall, it provides valuable information for planners, industrial, civil and environmental engineers and government officials for a better understanding of current practices and regulatory history and how these factors relate to the ability to complete environmental solutions to industrial waste problems.

  • Fluorine and the Environment: Agrochemicals, Archaeology, Green Chemistry and Water

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 2
    • English
    Advances in Fluorine Science is a new book series presenting critical multidisciplinary overviews on areas in which fluorine and fluoride compounds have a decisive impact. The individual volumes of Advances in Fluorine Science are thematic, addressing comprehensively both the science and applications on topics including the Environment, Green chemistry, Medicine, Health & Life Sciences, New Technologies & Materials Science, Energy and the Earth Sciences.In the present volume, the key-position of fluoro-products in agriculture is reviewed, since a large percentage of agro-chemicals and pesticides contain at least one fluorine atom. However, improvements in the use of fluorine-based products in agrochemicals cannot be developed without taking into consideration a safer environment, on both levels of greener synthesis routes and a reduction of the negative impact on plants and organisms. Within this scope, fluorine has a very peculiar place, since its high reactivity yields several advantages, for instance in by-passing various polluting multi-step reactions. Fluorine-based materials are reviewed as efficient tools for protecting our cultural heritage. Also using up-to-date techniques such as ion beam analysis, this element can help relative dating applications, ranging from burial durations of archaeological bones and teeth to the determination of exposure ages of meteorites on the Antarctic ice shield.

  • Ecology of Insular Southeast Asia

    The Indonesian Archipelago
    • 1st Edition
    • Friedhelm Goltenboth + 3 more
    • English
    The textbook entitled Tropical Ecology of Southeast Asia – The Indonesian Archipelago unfolds in its 5 major chapters with 20 subchapters on more than 500 pages, with more than 300 figures, the basic principles of ecology with examples mainly coming from the Indonesian Archipelago. After an introduction describing the geography, geology and climate of the region, the second chapter is dedicated to marine and freshwater ecosystems. Chapters on the functional ecology of seagrass beds, coral reefs, open ocean and deep sea are followed by information on lotic and lentic freshwater ecosystems. In chapter III ecotones and special ecosystems of the achipelago are in focus. The ecology and ecosystems of shore and tidal flats, mangroves, estuaries and soft bottom shores, caves, small islands, grasslands and savannas are decribed. The forest ecosystems with beach forest, tropical lowland evergreen rainforest, some special forest systems and mountain forests form the contents of chapter IV. The final chapter V is dealing with agroecosystems and human ecology. The main focus in this chapter is ricefield ecology, landuse systems and social ecology, including the advent of man and the development and expansion of man influencing this achipelago. An extended glossary and bibliography is added as well as tables of abbreviations, conversion factors, international system of units and measurements or SI and a geological time table and systematics. The index gives assess to important keywords and relevant information spread thoughout the contents of the book. The textbook will certainly be useful to teachers, lecturers and their students at university and college level. It also gives an overview about insular ecology of the vast Indonesian archipelago to any interested person or working ecologist.

  • Sediment and Dredged Material Treatment

    • 1st Edition
    • Peppe Bortone
    • English
    Sediment and Dredged Material Treatment forms the second volume in the SEDNET mini-series, Sustainable Management of Sediment Resources. The volume asks "How can you achieve sustainable sediment treatment?". In fact, before this question can be answered, many steps have to be considered beforehand. This book tackles the questions and issues which arise when looking at the various steps involved. This volume is applicable to a wide audience, from students at the graduate level, to experienced researchers and laboratory personnel in academia, industry and government. This volume also available as part of a 4-volume set, ISBN 0444519599. Discount price for set purchase.

  • Sediment Quality and Impact Assessment of Pollutants

    • 1st Edition
    • Damià Barceló + 1 more
    • English
    Volume 1 of the Sustainable Management of Sediment Resources mini-series is the first attempt to fill many of these gaps in knowledge and also in practice. The volume includes sections on: Sampling Characterization of contaminants in sediments being bioavailability the main issue Chemical analysis Biological analysis Effect directed analysis and toxicity Identification evaluation Benthos sediment quality assessment Modelling of pollutant fate and behaviour Sediment quality guidelines This first volume is applicable to a wide audience, from students at the graduate level, to experienced researchers and laboratory personnel in academia, industry and government.This volume also available as part of a 4-volume set, ISBN 0444519599. Discount price for set purchase.

  • The Ecology of Sandy Shores

    • 2nd Edition
    • A.C. Brown + 1 more
    • English
    The Ecology of Sandy Shores provides the students and researchers with a one-volume resource for understanding the conservation and management of the sandy shore ecosystem. Covering all beach types, and addressing issues from the behavioral and physiological adaptations of the biota to exploring the effects of pollution and the impact of man's activities, this book should become the standard reference for those interested in Sandy Shore study, management and preservation.

  • Microirrigation for Crop Production

    Design, Operation, and Management
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 13
    • English
    Microirrigation has become the fastest growing segment of the irrigation industry worldwide and has the potential to increase the quality of food supply through improved water fertilizer efficiency. This book is meant to update the text "Trickle Irrigation, Design, Operation and Management". This text offers the most current understanding of the management criteria needed to obtain maximum water and fertilization efficiency.

  • Waste Engine Oils

    Rerefining and Energy Recovery
    • 1st Edition
    • Francois Audibert
    • English
    Waste Engine Oils presents a complete description of the field of engine used oils, widely collected in the networks of services-stations and garages. It describes the manufacture of base oils in refineries, and mentions the main additives playing an essential role in the quality of the marketed finished oils. The organization of the different systems of collecting in order to obtain a waste oil regenerable or used as fuel are explained.This book covers the main operations of physical and chemical treatments required in waste oil regeneration by covering the fundamental principles techniques such as vacuum distillation, solvent deasphalting, and ultrafiltration. A wide part is dedicated to applications with the description of about twenty processes. In addition, the book describes several types of energetic valorizations which concern a quite important fraction of the collected oil volume.

  • Driving Climate Change

    Cutting Carbon from Transportation
    • 1st Edition
    • Daniel Sperling + 1 more
    • English
    Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing global society. The debate over what to do is confounded by the uncertain relationship between increasing greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, and the impact of those changes on nature and human civilization. Driving Climate Change will provide professionals and students alike with the latest information regarding greenhouse emissions while presenting the most up-to-date techniques for reducing these emissions. It will investigate three broad strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions: 1) reducing motorized travel, 2) shifting to less energy intensive modes, and 3) changing fuel and propulsion technologies. Findings will be presented by the leaders in the field with contributions from professors, researchers, consultants and engineers at the most prominent institutions - commercial, academic and federal - dealing with environmental research and policy.

  • Wetland Systems to Control Urban Runoff

    • 1st Edition
    • M. Scholz
    • English
    Wetland Systems to Control Urban Runoff integrates natural and constructed wetlands, and sustainable drainage techniques into traditional water and wastewater systems used to treat surface runoff and associated diffuse pollution. The first part of the text introduces the fundamentals of water quality management, and water and wastewater treatment. The remaining focus of the text is on reviewing treatment technologies, disinfection issues, sludge treatment and disposal options, and current case studies related to constructed wetlands applied for runoff and diffuse pollution treatment. Professionals and students will be interested in the detailed design, operation, management, process control and water quality monitoring and applied modeling issues.

  • Benguela: Predicting a Large Marine Ecosystem

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 14
    • Vere Shannon + 4 more
    • English
    This is a book which examines much of what we know and also what we don’t know about the Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem and its inherent variability. Building on recent work and exciting findings about the predictability of the Benguela and other coastal upwelling ecosystems, the book takes a look towards the future and highlights the difficulty of making predictions in such a complex and variable region. The book illustrates what scientists and managers from developed and developing countries can achieve by working together, and it lays a solid base upon which to build wise management and ensure sustainable use of the ecosystem.

  • Fluorine and the Environment: Atmospheric Chemistry, Emissions & Lithosphere

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 1
    • Alain Tressaud
    • English
    Advances in Fluorine Science presents critical multidisciplinary overviews for areas in which fluorine and fluoride compounds have a decisive impact. The individual volumes of Advances in Fluorine Science are thematic, addressing comprehensively both the science and applications on topics including the Environment, Green chemistry, Medicine, Health & Life Sciences, New Technologies & Materials Science, Energy and the Earth Sciences.For each subject the contributors will clearly inform the reader on the nature of the problem (if any) and on the solutions, combining knowledge from different scientific disciplines, that have been proposed to solve each issue.This volume covers a wide scope of important issues about our atmospheric environment and contains contributions from both chemists and environmental scientists. Articles review the origin of fluorine-emissions either from natural or anthropogenic origin; the chemistry of fluorine- and halogen-based species in the atmosphere; the monitoring and characterization of atmospheric pollutants; new generations of halocarbons and improved destruction procedures of banned CFCs; the role of fluorides within both our geosphere: volcanic magmas and natural fluorine emissions, and effects on our biosphere: life cycle, plants and animals.

  • Lead

    Chemistry, Analytical Aspects, Environmental Impact and Health Effects
    • 1st Edition
    • José S. Casas + 1 more
    • English
    Lead covers the salient aspects of the chemistry of lead, its environmental impact, and its effects on health. The technical, economic and social importance of Lead, at the present time, is beyond all doubt. However, over the last few decades little attention has been given to its behaviour (the properties and applications of its compounds, the environmental distribution of these derivatives, and their impacts on living creatures), this book addresses that gap. It includes coverage of historical aspects, lead mining and production, metal properties, common lead compounds, uses of lead and its derivatives, coordination chemistry, organometallic chemistry, environmental chemistry, toxicity mechanisms, and treatment strategies for lead poisoning. Finally, describing analytical procedures for the determination of lead in chemical, biological and environmental samples.

  • Resource Recovery and Recycling from Metallurgical Wastes

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 7
    • S.R. Ramachandra Rao
    • English
    Resource recovery and recycling from millions of tons of wastes produced from industrial activities is a continuing challenge for environmental engineers and researchers. Demand for conservation of resources, reduction in the quantity of waste and sustainable development with environmental control has been growing in every part of the world. Resource Recovery and Recycling from Metallurgical Wastes brings together the currently used techniques of waste processing and recycling, their applications with practical examples and economic potentials of the processes. Emphasis is on resource recovery by appropriate treatment and techniques. Material on the subject is scatterend in waste management and environmental related journals, conference volumes and government departmental technical reports. This work serves as a source book of information and as an educational technical reference for practicing scientists and engineers, as well as for students.

  • The Physics of Glaciers

    • 4th Edition
    • Kurt M. Cuffey + 1 more
    • English
    The Physics of Glaciers, Fourth Edition, discusses the physical principles that underlie the behavior and characteristics of glaciers. The term glacier refers to all bodies of ice created by the accumulation of snowfall, e.g., mountain glaciers, ice caps, continental ice sheets, and ice shelves. Glaciology—the study of all forms of ice—is an interdisciplinary field encompassing physics, geology, atmospheric science, mathematics, and others. This book covers various aspects of glacier studies, including the transformation of snow to ice, grain-scale structures and ice deformation, mass exchange processes, glacial hydrology, glacier flow, and the impact of climate change. The present edition features two new chapters: “Ice Sheets and the Earth System” and “Ice, Sea Level, and Contemporary Climate Change.” The chapter on ice core studies has been updated from the previous version with new material. The materials on the flow of mountain glaciers, ice sheets, ice streams, and ice shelves have been combined into a single chapter entitled “The Flow of Ice Masses.”

  • Beyond Compliance

    • 1st Edition
    • Nicholas Cheremisinoff + 1 more
    • English
    This book offers refineries a practical guide for implementing environmental management systems (EMS). The author, who has implemented hundreds of successful EMS programs throughout North America, Europe, Russia and the Middle East, provides a detailed explanation of what an EMS is and how it can benefit refinery operations in complying with environmental laws and improving the overall efficiency of their operations. The author’s approach has been internationally recognized as an integrated model that captures improved compliance and financial savings by reducing operating costs through dedicated pollution prevention programs.

  • Biogranulation Technologies for Wastewater Treatment

    Microbial Granules
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 6
    • Joo-Hwa Tay + 4 more
    • English
    Microbial granules have practical importance in anaerobic and aerobic biological wastewater treatment. Advantages of granules are retention of biomass in reactor, diversity of microorganisms, complex structure, and resistance to unfavorable conditions. Microbial granules can be used to treat municipal and industrial wastewater for removal of organic matter, xenobiotics, nutrients, and heavy metals. The book covers almost all aspects of formation and use of microbial granules in wastewater treatment. The data on aerobic microbial granulation are related mostly to laboratory systems due to few pilot systems in the world using aerobic microbial granules. However, by the analogy with anaerobic granulation, which is now used worldwide, it is possible to predict wide applications of aerobic granulation. This book will help researchers and engineers develop these new biotechnologies of wastewater treatment based on aerobic granulation.

  • Control of Human Parasitic Diseases

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 61
    • English
    Control of parasitic infections of humans has progressed rapidly over the last three decades. Such advances have resulted from focal disease control efforts based on historically effective interventions to new approaches to control following intensive research and pilot programs. Control of Human Parasitic Diseases focuses on the present state of control of the significant human parasitic infectious diseases.

  • Vesuvius

    Education, Security and Prosperity
    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 8
    • Flavio Dobran
    • English
    VESUVIUS 2000 is an interdisciplinary project aimed at producing a safe and prosperous habitat for the people living around Vesuvius. To produce this environment requires an effective collaboration between the experts and the public, whereby the danger from the volcano is used to reorganize the territory and thus produce new opportunities for the people surrounding the volcano. As an all inclusive physico-mathematical... model of the volcano, the Global Volcanic Simulator is a key tool for determining the effects of different eruption scenarios and thus for urban planning of the territory. Unlike the evacuation plans which tend to manage emergencies, VESUVIUS 2000 aims at preparing the Vesuvius area to confront future eruptions with minimal socio-economic and cultural consequences.

  • Methods in Stream Ecology

    • 2nd Edition
    • F. Richard Hauer + 1 more
    • English
    Methods in Stream Ecology, Second Edition, provides a complete series of field and laboratory protocols in stream ecology that are ideal for teaching or conducting research. This updated edition reflects recent advances in the technology associated with ecological assessment of streams, including remote sensing. In addition, the relationship between stream flow and alluviation has been added, and a new chapter on riparian zones is also included. The book features exercises in each chapter; detailed instructions, illustrations, formulae, and data sheets for in-field research for students; and taxanomic keys to common stream invertebrates and algae. With a student-friendly price, this book is key for all students and researchers in stream and freshwater ecology, freshwater biology, marine ecology, and river ecology. This text is also supportive as a supplementary text for courses in watershed ecology/science, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and landscape ecology.

Related subjects