Environmental compartments : equilibria and assessment of processes between air, water, sediments and biota

To achieve viable solutions to present day environmental problems, we must understand the spatial and temporal links between the different environmental compartments of biota, air, water, land and aquatic sediments. This book explains many of the seminal theories used to identify links and predict the movement of natural and anthropogenic chemical compounds. New insights into theories regarding accumulation of contaminants such as radio nuclides, DDT and PCBs are presented challenging the passive acceptance of previously proven dogma. The book is primarily directed to university education, environmental scientists and policymakers. A number of exercises are incorporated in the text while two demo models are given on diskette, one of radionuclide transport from dumped nuclear waste in the Kara Sea and one illustrating the role on biodiversity in coastal zone management.