For the past 3.8 billion years, the geochemistry of the Earth's surface - its atmosphere, waters and exposed crust - has been determined by the presence of biota. Photosynthetic organisms exposed the Earth's surface to oxygen, denitrifying bacteria have maintained the nitrogen concentration in Earth's atmosphere, and land plants have determined the rate of chemical weathering. Life determines the global biogeochemical cycles of the elements of biochemistry, especially C, N, P and S. Volume 8 traces the origin and impact of life on the geochemistry of the Earth's surface, with special emphasis on the current human impact on global biogeochemical cycles.

Reprinted individual volume from the acclaimed Treatise on Geochemistry, (10 Volume Set, ISBN 0-08-043751-6, published in 2003)
* Comprehensive and authoritative scope and focus
* Reviews from renowned scientists across a range of subjects, providing both overviews and new data, supplemented by extensive bibliographies
* Extensive illustrations and examples from the field

Volume 9 focuses on natural and anthropogenic environmental contaminants and their implications for human health and the environment. Environmental impacts on soils, groundwater, freshwater, the oceans and atmosphere are examined in the context of both inorganic geochemistry (metals, metalloids, radioactive compounds, mineral dusts, dissolved salts, acidification) and organic geochemistry (halogenated and non-halogenated hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, fuel oxygenates, pesticides, nutrients). Issues of risk, toxicity and exposure assessment; contaminant fate and transport; remediation and disposal; and source identification are examined in this context.

Reprinted individual volume from the acclaimed Treatise on Geochemistry, (10 Volume Set, ISBN 0-08-043751-6, published in 2003)
* Comprehensive and authoritative scope and focus
* Reviews from renowned scientists across a range of subjects, providing both overviews and new data, supplemented by extensive bibliographies
* Extensive illustrations and examples from the field

"This is undoubtedly a major contribution to the field. David Burdige's scholarship is cutting edge."--Bernard P. Boudreau, Dalhousie University

"Burdige has written a wonderfully exhaustive review spanning all aspects of marine sedimentary geochemistry. Generous background welcomes the newcomer, while ample depth and breadth stimulate the savvy expert. The discussions are built from the latest work in biogeochemistry and microbial ecology. And in the tradition of Robert Berner's classic treatment of early diagenesis, Burdige handles reaction pathways and transport processes rigorously and quantitatively. This nicely written, well-illustrated survey suits both the reference shelf and the classroom."--Timothy W. Lyons, University of California, Riverside

"This book fills a gaping hole in our field. While certain to be used by specialists, it also provides background and ancillary information so as to reach allied fields. Burdige has done a remarkable job in providing the right balance of background theory, real-world implementation, and examples from the literature."--Rick Murray, Boston University

"David Burdige's book reviews and develops the ideas that emerged in the field of geochemistry over the last twenty-five years. It is a significant contribution. The scholarship is clearly sound, with excellent and comprehensive references to the latest work. I have no doubt it will be useful to any students who wish to learn the subject."--Michael Krom, Leeds University Earth and Biosphere Institute

The mechanisms of magma movement, chemical differentiation and physical development, are derived from the geochemistry of igneous rocks, and from studying exposures of deep magmatic systems that have since solidified and been uplifted and exposed at the Earth's surface. The Ferrar Magmatic System of the McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica provides an unparalleled example of a complete magmatic-volcanic system exposed in unprecedented detail. This book provides a unique and usual three-dimensional detailed examination of this system, providing insight into many magmatic processes normally unobservable, in particular how basaltic magma moves upwards through the crust, how it entrains, carries and deposits loads of crystals from great depths, and how this all contributes to Earth's evolution. Providing an explanation of how magmatic systems operate and how igneous rocks form, this is an invaluable resource ideal for researchers and graduate students in magma physics, igneous petrology, volcanology, and geochemistry.

The deep oceans and global seafloor are truly Earth's last frontier: largely unexplored, yet critical to our survival on this planet. This magnificent, full-color volume provides a unique, fascinating view of Earth's seafloor and underlying oceanic crust, beginning with a historical summary of seafloor exploration and its developing technologies. Later chapters discuss the major geological components of Earth's crust and the myriad environments along the global mid-ocean ridges, including active volcanoes, rift zones and hydrothermal vents - Earth's most extreme environments. The authors present simple explanations of how the various geological and hydrothermal features of the seafloor are formed through physical, chemical and biological processes, and also describe the life they host. Supported by online visual and teaching resources, including video clips and images, this book forms an indispensable reference for researchers, teachers and students of marine geoscience, and a visually stunning resource which all oceanographers and enthusiasts will want on their bookshelves.

This book represents a new "earth systems" approach to catchments that encompasses the physical and biogeochemical interactions that control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of the system. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of catchment hydrology, principles of isotope geochemistry, and the isotope variability in the hydrologic cycle -- but the main focus of the book is on case studies in isotope hydrology and isotope geochemistry that explore the applications of isotope techniques for investigating modern environmental problems.

"Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology" is the first synthesis of physical hydrology and isotope geochemistry with catchment focus, and is a valuable reference for professionals and students alike in the fields of hydrology, hydrochemistry, and environmental science. This important interdisciplinary text provides extensive guidelines for the application of isotope techniques for all investigatores facing the challenge of protecting precious water, soil, and ecological resources from the ever-increasing problems associated with population growth and environmental change, including those from urban development and agricultural land uses.

This is a unique collection of reviews of the significance of geochemistry in the earth sciences, with contributions from a range of internationally distinguished scientists. It deals with both the historical contribution (Part 1) and the current and likely future importance of the subject in dealing with key environmental issues (Part 2). The book is based on contributions given to the 2008 IGC session with same name: * Provides the most comprehensive review of the scope and achievements of modern geochemistry in a form accessible to and affordable by students (advanced undergraduates and graduates) * The contributors are all world leaders in their particular field * Co-published with the IAGC - the worlds premiere learned society for the geochemistry community. * The only affordable and single-volume overview of the entire subject.

This book brings together contributions from groundwater researchers and scientists on underground water resources in Egypt's deserts. The aquifers' quantity and quality are evaluated in many regions of the Egyptian deserts using established methods that can be effectively employed to investigate the potential for sustainable development in Egypt and similarly arid countries. The water resources in Egypt's deserts are subject to deterioration, mainly by land salinization and water deficiency. This book presents the best management practices, water quantity and quality, and optimal and sustainable usage of available groundwater. The book offers a unique guide for all readers interested in groundwater, modeling, and assessment for sustainable development in Egypt and countries with similar weather and water conditions.

This book comprises select proceedings of the annual conference of the Indian Geotechnical Society. The conference brings together research and case histories on various aspects of geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering. The book presents papers on geotechnical applications and case histories, covering topics such as (i) Characterization of Geomaterials and Physical Modelling; (ii) Foundations and Deep Excavations; (iii) Soil Stabilization and Ground Improvement; (iv) Geoenvironmental Engineering and Waste Material Utilization; (v) Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Geotechnical Engineering; (vi) Earth Retaining Structures, Dams and Embankments; (vii) Slope Stability and Landslides; (viii) Transportation Geotechnics; (ix) Geosynthetics Applications; (x) Computational, Analytical and Numerical Modelling; (xi) Rock Engineering, Tunnelling and Underground Constructions; (xii) Forensic Geotechnical Engineering and Case Studies; and (xiii) Others Topics: Behaviour of Unsaturated Soils, Offshore and Marine Geotechnics, Remote Sensing and GIS, Field Investigations, Instrumentation and Monitoring, Retrofitting of Geotechnical Structures, Reliability in Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Education, Codes and Standards, and other relevant topics. The contents of this book are of interest to researchers and practicing engineers alike.

Das Buch gibt einen anschaulichen UEberblick uber das facettenreiche Gebiet der Gemmologie in Theorie und Praxis. Im ersten Teil werden die klassischen und modernen Methoden zur Bestimmung und Erkennung der Edelsteine ausfuhrlich vorgestellt. Der zweite Teil des Buches umfasst den komplexen Bereich der Manipulationen und Behandlung der Schmuckmaterialien sowie ihre Erkennungsmoeglichkeiten. Die Kapitel des letzten Teils widmen sich den Grundlagen zum besseren Verstandnis der Eigenschaften und Methoden.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of recent research on estuaries of the east coast of India, and how changing biogeochemical dynamics as a result of climate change and human activity have impacted estuaries and other open water ecosystems. Though estuaries only cover a very small portion of the earth's hydrosphere, they are some of the most biogeochemically active regions among the global water bodies. As such, this book focuses on estuaries of the east coast of India going all the way to the Bay of Bengal, which is the world's largest freshwater input from perennial rivers and rain-fed estuaries, and is therefore a unique area of study. Through its unique coverage of the Bay of Bengal in particular, the book presents a new perspective not present in the literature on estuary biogeochemistry and ecosystem dynamics. Moreover, the book addresses SDG 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life below Water), with a focus on ecosystem services of the natural aquatic system.The book will be useful to researchers, policy makers, coastal managers and marine sustainability scientists and organizations.

An interdisciplinary study of the Kuroshio nutrient stream The surface water of the Kuroshio, a western boundary current in the North Pacific Ocean, is nutrient-depleted and has relatively low primary productivity, yet abundant fish populations are supported in the region. This is called the "Kuroshio Paradox". Kuroshio Current: Physical, Biogeochemical and Ecosystem Dynamics presents research from a multidisciplinary team that conducted observational and modeling studies to investigate this contradiction. This timely and important contribution to the ocean sciences literature provides a comprehensive analysis of the Kuroshio. Volume highlights include: New insights into the role of the Kuroshio as a nutrient stream The first interdisciplinary examination of the Kuroshio Paradox Reflections on the influence of the Kuroshio on Japanese culture Research results on both the lower and higher trophic levels in the Kuroshio ecosystem Comparisons of nutrient dynamics in the Kuroshio and Gulf Stream Predictions of ecosystem responses to future climate variability

This encyclopedia is a reference for aquatic physical, biological and biogeochemical sciences, collecting and connecting a number of topics, concepts and facts about aquatic systems and their scientific investigation. The scope of the book comprises the aquatic physiosphere-biosphere transition zone, an entity that encompasses both inanimate matter and collectives (the physiosphere) as well as living organisms and collectives (the biosphere). This combined approach is meaningful because both realms are intimately linked and because available methods of investigation are often similar. Much can be gained from considering both spheres at and across their interface jointly, and while there is a strong focus on marine systems, most concepts presented are also applicable to freshwater systems. This presented snapshot of knowledge of the transition zone between the aquatic physiosphere and biosphere is taken from a very specific angle: the point of view of a modeler. Modeling is not only a state-of-the-art mode of scientific investigation, but also requires the explicit specification of all assumptions (helping to avoid fallacies), and offers the advantage of being quantitative and allows for theoretical "what if" scenarios. As in any reference work, equal emphasis is given to fundamental facts, the definition of terms and the explanation of concepts, in an attempt to establish a joint language for physicists, biologists and biogeochemists. Although originating from a modeler's approach to nature, the resulting suite of compatible concepts may also be useful beyond modeling purposes. Furthermore, the material is presented in a condensed, straightforward way. Hence, the length of each entry is limited to one (occasionally two) pages, thus offering a quick introductory overview. This excludes lengthy derivations and very specialized details. The book is geared towards researchers, teachers and advanced students in the field of aquatic (marine and limnic) sciences, in particular those interested or involved in interdisciplinary work.

Today, knowing your gems, being absolutely sure about what you are buying and selling is essential. Major changes in the gem world - new synthetic stones, new treatments to enchance and conceal, new gems and more stones available in every hue and tone of colour - make accurate gem identification more important than ever to both buyers and sellers. family-run business, someone who enjoys collecting or acquiring gems for personal pleasure, or a seriouos investor, insufficient knowledge can be costly. It can result in a bad purchase, damage to a reputation, and equally significant, failure to recognise and opportunity. learn to separate real from imitation, one look-alike from another, dyed from natural, and so on. Sometimes, just a basic knowledge of how to use a simple instrument is all that is needed to avoid an expensive mistake or recognise a profitable opportunity.

This book presents contributions devoted to the hydrogeochemical characterization of aquatic environments of Patagonia, including those of Ushuaia city, known as "The southernmost city in the world". Patagonia (between 39 Degrees and 55 Degrees S) is located in southern South America. Eight main river systems pour their waters into the SW Atlantic Ocean. Rivers, with their headwaters mainly located in the Andes, supply dissolved and particulate matter to the coastal zone, as well as nutrients, which benefit biological communities. Besides, freshwater in this region with little anthropogenic impact supports human life and a high wildlife biodiversity. Unfortunately, the recent increase in human activities, such as the use of fertilizers, wastewater discharges, extensive deforestation and dam construction, is affecting the quality and quantity of water resources. The book is of interest for researchers, professors and government agencies that decide on water resources management policies.

This volume details the function of hydrocarbon seeps, their evolution over time, the most important seep occurrences and the fauna present in ancient hydrocarbon seeps. While several publications exist that cover modern seeps and vents, fossil seeps only constitute a small component of the literature. As such, many geologists, stratigraphers and paleontologists, as well as undergraduates and graduate students, are not very familiar with ancient hydrocarbon seep deposits and their associated fauna. This text is the first to comprehensively discuss the nature of such animal groups and how to recognize them. In addition to summarizing available knowledge on these topics for specialists in the field, this book offers the background needed to be of use to students as well as the wider community of geologists and paleontologists.

The Anthropocene, a term launched into public debate by Nobel Prize winner Paul Crutzen, has been used informally to describe the time period during which human actions have had a drastic effect on the Earth and its ecosystems. This book presents evidence for defining the Anthropocene as a geological epoch, written by the high-profile international team analysing its potential addition to the geological time scale. The evidence ranges from chemical signals arising from pollution, to landscape changes associated with urbanisation, and biological changes associated with species invasion and extinctions. Global environmental change is placed within the context of planetary processes and deep geological time, allowing the reader to appreciate the scale of human-driven change and compare the global transition taking place today with major transitions in Earth history. This is an authoritative review of the Anthropocene for graduate students and academic researchers across scientific, social science and humanities disciplines.

This book envisages a multi-proxy approach using stable isotopes, geochemical proxies, magnetic susceptibility and associated biotic events for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental interpretations of the Mesozoic sedimentary record of India. Mesozoic rocks of India record abnormal sea level rise, greenhouse climate, intensified volcanism, hypoxia in seawater, extensive black shale deposition, and hydrocarbon occurrence. The Mesozoic has also witnessed mass extinction events, evolution of dinosaurs, and breakdown of the supercontinent Pangea and the formation of Gondwana. Although the Mesozoic geology of India has witnessed significant progress in the last century, literature survey reveals a huge gap in knowledge regarding sequence stratigraphy, chemostratigraphy and key geological events. A synthesis of sedimentological, paleontological and chemical data is included to presenting a comprehensive understanding of the Indian Mesozoic record to students, researchers and professionals.

The book is dedicated to the study and mathematical definition of the biogeochemical patterns of organic and inorganic matter interaction with the marine environment's radioactive and chemical components. This book describes the radioisotope and mineral exchange theory between organic and inorganic matters in the marine environment on a time scale of metabolic processes and trophic interactions. The approach is parametrically compatible with modern techniques describing the matter and energy balance in aquatic ecosystems. The criteria for assessing the ecological capacity, biogeocenoses assimilation capacity, and water masses radio capacity, which form the basis of the theory of radioisotope and mineral homeostasis of marine ecosystems, are substantiated. This book presents methods to implement sustainable development of the Black Sea's critical and recreational zones according to the marine pollution factors. This book does that by regulating the balance between the consumption of water quality resources and their reproduction as a result of natural biogeochemical processes are proposed. The book is of interest to scientists working in marine geology, marine ecology, biogeophysics, and biogeochemistry. This book is also necessary for professionals working in institutions and administrations coordinating maritime activities, environmental projects, and developing aquaculture technologies.

This book is a marked departure from typical introductory geochemistry books available: It provides a simple, straightforward, applied, and down-to-earth no-nonsense introduction to geochemistry. It is for the undergraduate students who are introduced to the subject for the first time, but also for practicing geologists who do not need the heavy-duty theory, but some clear, simple, and useful practical tips and pointers. This book, written from the point of view of a practicing geologist, introduces the fundamental and most relevant principles of geochemistry, explaining them whenever possible in plain terms. Crucially, this textbook covers - in a single volume! - practical and useful topics that other introductory geochemistry books ignore, such as sampling and sample treatment, analytical geochemistry, data treatment and geostatistics, classification and discrimination diagrams, geochemical exploration, and environmental geochemistry. The main strengths of this book are the breadth of useful and practical topics, the straightforward and approachable way in which it is written, the numerous real-world and specific geological examples, and the exercises and review questions (using real-world data and providing on-line answers). It is therefore easily understood by the beginner geochemist or any geologist who desires to use geochemistry in their daily work.

This book provides an overview on the latest advances in the synthesis, properties and applications of geopolymers reinforced with natural fibres such as pulp fibre, cotton, sisal, flax and hemp. The influence of adding various natural fibres and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of these composites is discussed. Potential challenges and future directions of these composites are highlighted and addressed. The content of this book caters to students, researchers and academics who are interested in the synthesis and applications of geopolymers composites.

Ecotoxicology offers a comprehensive overview of the science underpinning the recognition and management of environmental contamination. It describes the toxicology of environmental contaminants, the methods used for assessing their toxicity and ecological impacts, and approaches employed to mitigate pollution and ecological health risks globally. Chapters cover the latest advances in research, including genomics, natural toxins, endocrine disruption and the toxicology of radioactive substances. The second half of the book focuses on applications, such as cradle-to-grave effects of selected industries, legal and economic approaches to environmental regulation, ecological risk assessment, and contaminated site remediation. With short capsules written by invited experts, numerous case studies from around the world and further reading lists, this textbook is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate one-semester courses. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students and professionals. Online resources for instructors and students are also available.