Pollution of Lakes and Rivers: A Paleoenvironmental Perspective (Key Issues in Environmental Change) - Hardcover

Smol, John

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340741465 ISBN 13: 9780340741467

Publisher: Routledge, 2002

Synopsis

As part of the Arnold KEY ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE series, this major new text provides an authoritative overview of the use of sedimentary records to study the environmental degradation and recovery of lakes and rivers. Written by an internationally acknowledged expert on the subject, the book includes the results of the most recent research and up-to-date data, much of which is found in a wide range of technical sources and normally inaccessible to students. A distinctive feature of the book is its temporal focus, allowing for discussion of the lessons to be learned from the past in understanding and solving current and future problems of lake and river pollution.



In keeping with the aims of the series to provide clear and up to date topics of current environmental concern, John Smol has written to inform rather than impress, using plain language, full explanations, pertinent examples and case studies. A glossary of technical terms precedes a full reference list, which includes annotations relating to useful further reading where appropriate.

About this title

Review

The book is written in a very enjoyable style and the obvious enthusiasm of the author rings from the page. Catherine Duigan, Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems John Smol has produced an excellent introduction into how sedimentary records mainly from lakes but also from rivers, reservoirs and other environments can be used to study past environments This is a terrific text for undergraduate and Masters students covering a vast range of material that is both accessible and up to date Viv Jones, The Geographical Journal Much thought has gone into this book The chapter headings in this book show the author s facility with words and concepts Frank E. Round, Diatom Research the book is compact and highly readable and makes for an excellent introduction and overview of the current state of palaeolimnology a valuable text for all students of environmental change Roger Flower, The Holocene particularly well written. Smol s vast experience in writing and editing is evident in his direct writing style a fine contribution that is clearly written and suitable for student and seasoned investigator alike. Richard B. Brugam, Journal of Paleolimnology John Smol has been one of the central figures in the field of paleolimnology throughout much of its modern development the book is well written and highly informative. The examples cover much of the significant paleolimnological studies conducted during the past decades in different parts of our planet. Heiki Simola, SIL News

From the Back Cover

Water is an essential life resource, yet the pollution of lakes and rivers has become an international problem, reaching crisis proportions in many regions. As demands on aquatic resources escalate, we must find new approaches to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

Now in its second edition, Pollution of Lakes and Rivers addresses many of our present–day water quality problems from an international perspective, covering critical issues such as acidification, eutrophication, land–use changes, pollution by metals and other contaminants, climatic change, and biodiversity losses. It demonstrates how paleolimnological approaches can be used to interpret the physical, chemical, and biological information stored in lake and river sediments, and how this information is integral to identifying key environmental stressors and setting targets for mitigation purposes.

The expanded second edition includes over 250 additional references and a new chapter on recent climatic change and its effects on water quality and quantity. This comprehensive, up–to–date volume provides essential insights into a multi–disciplinary science aimed at tackling some of the most urgent environmental problems of modern times.

PowerPoint slides of the artwork from the book are available from: http://biology.queensu.ca/∼pearl/textbook.htm

Reviews:

This is a useful text. It provides a good level of detail so that the beginner in this area can appreciate what palaeolimnology can (and cannot) achieve. It goes beyond the simple introduction to provide a detailed understanding of how techniques can be applied ... This is a different take on the usual pollution text and would be of great use to those wishing to understand more from sedimentary records.

Taken from the British Ecological Society s Teaching Ecology website

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340741465
• ISBN 13: 9780340741467
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 320