The Science of Environmental Pollution, Second Edition

Hailed on its first publication as a masterly addition to its compaion volumes The Science of Water and The Science of Air, The Science of Environmental Pollution, Second Edition successfully completes the process of bringing this series into the twenty-first century. This new edition continues to ask the same questions about environmental pollution: What is it? What is its impact? What are the causes and how can we mitigate them? But more than this, the second edition stimulates new ways to think about the issues and their possible solutions. Simply put, studying pollution without science is analogous to attempting to cook without being able to read a recipe, measure ingredients correctly, or monitor the progress of that which is cooking. Conversely, studying pollution through science affords the opportunity to maintain a healthful, life-sustaining environment. This second edition of a bestseller presents common-sense approaches and practical examples based on scientific principles, models, and observations, but keeps the text lively and understandable to scientists and non-scientists alike. The Second Edition contains: Completely revised and updated information in every chapter New material on pharmaceuticals in water New material on water scarcity Environmental issues continue to attract attention at all levels. Some sources say that pollution is the direct cause of climate change; others deny that the possibility even exists. This text sorts through the hyperbole, providing concepts and guidelines that not only aid in understanding the issues, but equip you with the scientific rationale required to make informed decisions.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Pollution: What Is It? Introduction Pollution Defined Pollution: Effects Often Easy to See, Feel, Taste, or Smell Pollution and Environmental Science/Health Environmental Pollution and Technology: The Connection Science and Technology Offer Solutions The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Pollution Science Fundamentals Introduction Biogeochemical Cycles Energy Flow through an Ecosystem and the Biosphere Units of Measurement The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Global Pollution: The Problem Introduction Global Interdependence Global Pollution Problems: Causal Factors Pollution and Global Environmental Degradation So, What Is the Answer? Discussion Questions References and Recommended Readings Sources of Pollution A Historical Perspective Introduction Natural Pollutants Pollutant Terminology Soil, Water, and Air Pollution: The Interface Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Air Air Introduction All About Air The Components of Air: Characteristics and Properties Air for Combustion Air for Power Stratification of the Atmosphere Physical Properties and Dynamics of Air Gas Laws Gas Conversions Gas Velocity Gas Stream Treatment (Residence) Time Gas Density Heat Capacity and Enthalpy Heat and Energy in the Atmosphere Adiabatic Lapse Rate Viscosity Flow Characteristics Particle Physics Characteristics of Particles Particle Formation Collection Mechanisms Atmospheric Dispersion, Transformation, and Deposition The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Air Pollution Yurk and Smilodon Introduction Problems of Atmospheric Pollution The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Readings Air Pollution Remediation Introduction Clearing the Air Air Pollution Control: Choices Air Pollution Control Equipment and Systems Removal of Dry Particulate Matter Removal of Gaseous Pollutants: Stationary Sources Removal of Gaseous Pollutants: Mobile Sources The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Water Water Water: Earth’s Blood Water: Facts and Prose Water: The Basics How Special, Strange, and Different Is Water? Characteristics of Water Water’s Physical Properties Capillary Action The Water Cycle Specific Water Movements Q and Q Factors Sources of Water Watershed Protection Potable Water Source Surface Water Groundwater Supply Well Systems Water Use The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Water Pollution Case Study 9.1. Chesapeake Bay Introduction Surface Water Setting the Stage Surface Water Pollutants Groundwater Pollution Wetlands The Bottom Line on Surface Water and Groundwater Pollution Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Water Pollution: Remediation Historical Prospective Effect of Regulations on Preventing Water Pollution A Sherlock Holmes at the Pump Water Treatment Wastewater Treatment Thermal Pollution Treatment Pollution Control Technology: Underground Storage Tanks Pollution Control Technology: Groundwater Remediation The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Soil Soil Basics Introduction Soil: What Is It? Key Terms Defined All About Soil Functions of Soil Soil Basics Soil Formation Soil Characterization Soil Mechanics and Physics Soil Chemistry Solid Wastes The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Soil Pollution Clean Soil Soil Pollutants: Transport Mechanisms Affecting Flow Regime The Basics of Soil Pollution Industrial Practices and Soil Contamination Hazardous Substances Hazardous Wastes Hazardous Waste Legislation The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Soil Pollution Remediation Introduction USTs: The Problem Risk Assessment Exposure Pathways Remediation of UST-Contaminated Soils Economic Outlook Animal Feeding Operations and Animal Waste Treatment Waste Control Technology Ultimate Disposal Green Remediation The Bottom Line Discussion Questions References and Recommended Reading Pollution and the 21st Century Glossary Index

About the Author :
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA