The world's cities are choking on pollution from traffic and industry. With the health of over 1.6 billion people under threat, poor urban air quality is fast becoming one of them most pressing environmental problems of our times. Smog Alert examines the causes and scale of urban air pollution, identifying who is most at risk, and what particular health risks various pollutants pose. It then considers an effective framework for air quality management, so that national and city authorities can consider what pollution control polices and measures are needed to deliver healthy urban air quality, and to sustain it in the future. Having established the background and framework, the book examines the existing and alternative measures to monitor and combat the declining air quality. It assesses smog alert systems; the potential for cleaner car and fuel technology; sustainable traffic management and public transport policies; and methods of controlling both industrial and residential emissions. Detailed case studies illustrate the severity and breadth of the problem - from the first serious photochemical smogs in Los Angeles to the dire warning offered by Mexico City; and from London (the city which coined the word 'smog') to Athens' pollution phenomenon, the 'nefos'. Drawing on the lessons learned from past experience, Smog Alert provides a comprehensive analysis of how health air quality may yet be achieved in the world's cities.

This volume presents a collection of fully peer-reviewed papers on the latest advances in the field of urban air quality. These papers were presented at the Third International Conference on Urban Air Quality - Measurement, Modelling and Management, held in Loutraki, Greece, March 19-23, 2001. The conference provided a platform for 175 scientists from over 30 different countries to exchange, discuss and advance the latest research findings in this field. Papers were presented on topics including air quality management and policy, emissions, measurements of air pollution, local and urban scale modelling, aerosols, urban meteorology, remote sensing and exposure.
This work will prove useful to universities, environmental research organisations, research students, undergraduate students, environmental consultants, industrial organisations, and local (city) authorities.

Interest in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as air pollutants has increased dramatically in recent years. This book covers a number of very topical issues concerning VOCs, including stratospheric ozone depletion due to CFCs, and the properties of alternative substances; the role of VOCs in the photochemical formation of lower atmosphere (tropospheric) ozone; and the problem of the direct toxicity of VOCs such as benzene and formaldehyde. This Issue reviews our current knowledge of VOCs, drawing upon the expertise of renowned experts and major national and international research programmes. It examines man-made and natural sources, as well as pathways and chemical reactions in the atmosphere. It also looks closely at the sources and concentrations of VOCs indoors, where humans are most likely to be exposed to them. Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere describes techniques used for the calculation of emissions inventories and strategies for control, and explores the many Government policy matters relating to VOCs. It provides readers with in-depth, clearly explained coverage of the many complex scientific and policy issues surrounding VOCs in the atmosphere.

Ocean Pollution provides a unique look at the effects of estuarine and coastal pollution on resource species. One of the primary objectives of the book is to provide an accurate assessment of the state of the inshore marine environment and its inhabitants. Coastal habitat degradation is discussed, and principal findings from modeling and other research efforts are analyzed and evaluated. The research undertaken thus far extends beyond the effects of pollution on resource population size to disease effects in fish and humans, effects on aquaculture, and effects on productive systems of the oceans. These far-reaching consequences - and potential consequences - of ocean pollution are expertly presented, and suggestions for mitigation are made. Realistic scenarios about the future effects of ocean pollution are outlined, providing a powerful tool for researchers and regulators.

Research funded by the Centre for Resource Studies,Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada

Chlorinated Organic Micropollutants addresses the sources, environmental cycles, uptake, consequences and control of many of the more important chlorinated organic micropollutants, including PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs and various chlorinated pesticides, all of which have given widespread cause for concern in relation to their environmental persistence and high toxicity, and their potential for adverse effects on humans and wildlife. Rational decision making over chlorinated organic micropollutants in the environment must be based upon sound science. This volume draws upon the expertise of some of the most distinguished workers in the field, to review current knowledge of the sources, environmental concentrations and pathways, human toxicity and ecotoxicology, and control methods for these groups of compounds. Chlorinated Organic Micropollutants gives a unique and valuable compilation of information on an extremely important group of environmental pollutants. It is fully up-to-date, and will provide a comprehensive overview of this topical subject that will be useful for years to come, to academic, student and professional alike.

This book provides a concise synthesis of how toxic chemical pollutants affect physiological processes in teleost fish. This Second Edition of the well-received Water Pollution and Fish Physiology has been completely updated, and chapters have been added on immunology and acid toxicity. The emphasis, as in the first edition, is on understanding mechanisms of sublethal effects on fish and their responses to these environmental stressors.
The first chapter covers the basic principles involved in understanding how fish respond, in general, to environmental alterations. Each subsequent chapter is devoted to a particular organ system or physiological function and begins with a short overview of normal physiology of that system/function. This is followed by a review of how various toxic chemicals may alter normal conditions in fish. Chapters covering environmental hypoxia, behavior, cellular enzymes, and acid toxicity are also included. The book closes with a discussion on the practical application of physiological and biochemical measurements of fish in water pollution control in research and regulatory settings.

Climate has infused the literary history of the United States, from the writings of explorers and conquerors, over early national celebrations of the American climate, to the flowering of romantic nature writing. This volume traces this complex semantic history in American thought and literature to examine rhetorical and philosophical discourses that continue to propel and constrain American climate perceptions today. It explores how American literature from its inception up until the present engages with the climate, both real and perceived. Climate and American Literature attends to the central place that the climate has historically occupied in virtually all aspects of American life, from public health and medicine, over the organization of the political system and the public sphere, to the culture of sensibility, aesthetics and literary culture. It details American inflections of climate perceptions over time to offer revealing new perspectives on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

An interdisciplinary case study of a project to dam the Narmada River in central and western India so that it can be used productively. Diverse opinions of proponents and opponents are expressed, as are studies on human rights of disadvantaged groups displaced by the work.

The Handbook of Air Toxics compiles, defines, and clarifies several methods and concepts of airborne toxic substances found in the environment. This comprehensive reference helps regulators, consultants, and other environmental professionals meet the challenges of sampling and analysis, emissions reductions, and health and safety issues related to human exposure. It is an important reference addressing the ongoing concern about the consequences of air pollution, and the implementation and modification of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean Air Act.
Some of the methods described in the Handbook of Air Toxics include fluorescence, thermal desorption, selected ion monitoring, ion chromatography, light microscopy, specific electrode analysis, titration, colorimetry, atomic absorption, and spectrophotometry. It also covers the use of isokinetic sampling trains, midget impingers, carbon molecular sieves, and sampling canisters in the analysis of air toxics. The Handbook also contains recommendations from the EPA for analytical methods for those air toxics where methods do not already exist and provides advance information on future method development by the EPA.

This book focuses on present state of the art chemical oxidation technologies with regard to various wastewater applications. It is a valuable aid to engineers and scientists engaged in developing cost-effective solutions to complex water quality problems in today's regulatory environment.

This book presents sustainable synthetic pathways and modern applications of ammonia. It focuses on the production of ammonia using various catalytic systems and its use in fuel cells, membrane, agriculture, and renewable energy sectors. The book highlights the history, investigation, and development of sustainable pathways for ammonia production, current challenges, and state-of-the-art reviews. While discussing industrial applications, it fills the gap between laboratory research and viable applications in large-scale production.

Written by an illustrious group of experts in microbiology and aerobiology, Bioaerosols brings together current information on the nature and health effects of bioaerosol-related problems. The book presents up-to-date coverage of methods for sampling and analysis, as well as various approaches to the investigation of health problems caused by exposure to biological contaminants in indoor air. Its comprehensive treatment of the various aspects of this subject makes it a valuable reference for industrial hygienists, public health officials and researchers, and physicians interested in environmentally caused disease.

Series Information:
NIAS Studies in Asian Topics

Temperature and precipitation increase and decrease because of natural causes. However, anthropogenic changes, such as an enhanced greenhouse effect, may result in alterations in the regional climate and in relative sea level. Serious changes in climate and sea level-with adverse effects particularly along low-lying coasts-would affect millions of people. Climate Change takes an in-depth, worldwide look at coastal habitation with respect to these natural and anthropogenic changes.
No universally applicable coastal model can be used to describe climatic changes. This unique book provides individual discussions of beaches and barrier islands, cliffs, deltas, tidal flats and wetlands, reefs, and atolls. The impact of climatic change on coastal ecology and agriculture is investigated, and human responses to the effects of climatic change along the world's coasts are included.

This book is written in a simple, straightforward manner without complicated mathematical derivatives. Compiled by experienced practitioners, this guide covers topics such as basic principles of vadose zone hydrology and prevalent monitoring techniques. Case studies present actual field experiences for the benefit of the reader. The Handbook provides practitioners with the information they need to fully understand the principles, advantages, and limitations of the monitoring techniques that are available.
The Handbook of Vadose Zone Characterization & Monitoring expands and consolidates the useful and succint information contained in various ASTM documents, EPA manuals, and other similar texts on the subject, making it an invaluable aid to new practioners and a useful reference for seasoned veterans in the field.

The estimated cost of repairing damage caused by fungal decay in buildings amounts to 400 million pounds a year in the UK alone. This book deals with the study of fungi in and around the building environment, having direct and indirect effects on the health of the building, its materials, structures and occupants. Fungi can be responsible for damage to building structures, to contents, decorations and food stuff; and to the health of occupants. This text provides an authoritative survey of present knowledge. This book should be of interest to construction, industrial, health research laboratories, public health and building pathology specialists and conservationists.

A study of local government and politics in China, exploring when and why local government officials comply with policy directives from above. The author draws on interviews with government officials in various municipalities and a review of county records and other government documents.

A study of local government and politics in China, exploring when and why local government officials comply with policy directives from above. The author draws on interviews with government officials in various municipalities and a review of county records and other government documents.

Provides accurate, up-to-date information on the hazardous properties of several hundred generic and specific polymeric additives used in elastomer and plastics processing operations, detailing the symproms of overexposure as well as resonsible packaging, shipping and emergency-response procedures. Essential safety data is offered.

Agrochemicals and agricultural practices have a tremendous impact on environmental quality, particularly their role in water quality degradation. Soil Processes and Water Quality examines principles and practices that minimize the risks of water pollution while enhancing agricultural intensification and productivity. It focuses on how agricultural practices-such as tillage methods, use of fertilizers and manures, cropping systems, and the use of agrochemicals and pest control measures-impact soil processes and affect water quality. Extensive coverage of such topics as water contamination by runoff, leaching, macropore flow, and sediments is also included.
Rapid increases in the use of agrochemicals make Soil Processes and Water Quality an indispensable reference for soil scientists, water quality professionals, researchers, environmental chemists, agrochemicals professionals, government agency employees, academic instructors, agronomists, and students.

Practical and provocative, Bioavailability reviews prevalent understanding of the physical-chemical-biological mechanisms that control the bioavailability of both organic and inorganic contaminants in aquatic environments.
Discusses the complex issues that surround many regulatory issues
Emphasizes the need to identify and control that portion of the total concentration that is biologically available and can cause adverse effects, i.e., "active"
Examines the influence of dynamic factors, such as pH, alkalinity, and light on these mechanisms
Addresses the subject of speciation for both organic and inorganic contaminants

This study of China blends historical documentation with contemporary assessment to determine the degree of human impact upon the country's vegetation, soils, water, air and wildlife. This introduces the development of environmental ideas as found in the ancient Chinese classics and traces the history of vegetation degradation. The pattern of land degradation is described with emphasis on soil erosion and desertification. Pollution, which increased dramatically throughout the 1980s, is analyzed employing national statistics and local examples; the various policies recently introduced for pollution control are assessed. Wildlife management is scrutinized largely through a discussion of the evolution of China's nature reserve network. Regional variation in degradation and protection is stressed throughout. Aiming to fill a gap in the literature on China's environment by providing a comprehensive assessment of China's environment as of the early 1990s, this book is designed as a reference, both for understanding the historical scope of environmental degradation and for assessing attempts to control environmental degradation since the 1980s.

"This timesaving guide addresses nearly every aspect of pollution control for the mining, production, transportation, and distribution of chemical fertilizers covering current and emerging technologies for all segments of the industry, including raw materials production, end products, and by-products."

This completely updated and revised Second Edition of the popular Workbook of Atmospheric Dispersion Estimates provides an important foundation for understanding dispersion modeling as it is being practiced today. The book and accompanying diskette will help you determine the impacts of various sources of air pollution, including the effects of wind and turbulence, plume rise, and Gaussian dispersion and its limitations. Information is shown in summary graphs as well as in equations. The programs included on the diskette allow you to "get the feel" for the results you'll obtain through the input of various combinations of parameter values. The sensitivity of data to various parameters can be easily explored by changing one value and seeing the effect on the results. The book presents 37 example problems with solutions to show the estimation of atmospheric pollutant concentrations for many situations.