Treatment of the various engineering systems presented will show how an
engineering formulation of the subject flows naturally from the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry, microbiology, physics, and mathematics. This
emphasis on fundamental science recognizes that engineering practice has, in recent
years, become more firmly based on scientific principles rather than on its earlier
dependency on empirical accumulation of facts. It is not intended, though, to neglect
empiricism where such data lead quickly to the most economic design; certain
engineering systems are not readily amenable to fundamental scientific analysis,
and in these instances, we have resorted to less science in favor of more art and
empiricism.
Since an environmental natural resources engineer must understand science
within the context of applications, we first present the development of the scientific
basis of a particular subject, followed by exposition of the pertinent design concepts
and operations, and detailed explanations of their applications to natural resources
conservation or environmental protection. Throughout the series, methods of mathematical modeling, system analysis, practical design, and calculation are illustrated
by numerical examples. These examples clearly demonstrate how organized, analytical reasoning leads to the most direct and clear solutions. Wherever possible,
pertinent cost data or models have been provided.
Our treatment of environmental natural resources engineering is offered in the
belief that the trained engineer should more firmly understand fundamental principles, should be more aware of the similarities and/or differences among many of the
engineering systems, and should exhibit greater flexibility and originality in the
definition and innovative solution of environmental system problems. In short, the
environmental and natural resources engineers should by conviction and practice be
more readily adaptable to change and progress.
Coverage of the unusually broad field of environmental natural resources engineering has demanded an expertise that could only be provided through multiple
authorships. Each author (or group of authors) was permitted to employ, within
reasonable limits, the customary personal style in organizing and presenting a
particular subject area; consequently, it has been difficult to treat all subject materials
in a homogeneous manner. Moreover, owing to limitations of space, some of the
authors’ favored topics could not be treated in great detail, and many less important
topics had to be merely mentioned or commented on briefly. All authors have
provided an excellent list of references at the end of each chapter for the benefit of
the interested readers. As each chapter is meant to be self-contained, some mild
repetition among the various texts was unavoidable. In each case, all omissions or
repetitions are the responsibility of the editors and not the individual authors. With
the current trend toward metrication, the question of using a consistent system of
units has been a problem. Wherever possible, the authors have used the British
system (fps) along with the metric equivalent (mks, cgs, or SIU) or vice versa. The
editors sincerely hope that this redundancy of units’ usage will prove to be useful
rather than being disruptive to the readers.
The goals of the Handbook of Environmental Engineering series are (1) to cover
entire environmental fields, including air and noise pollution control, solid waste
x
Preface
engineering formulation of the subject flows naturally from the fundamental principles and theories of chemistry, microbiology, physics, and mathematics. This
emphasis on fundamental science recognizes that engineering practice has, in recent
years, become more firmly based on scientific principles rather than on its earlier
dependency on empirical accumulation of facts. It is not intended, though, to neglect
empiricism where such data lead quickly to the most economic design; certain
engineering systems are not readily amenable to fundamental scientific analysis,
and in these instances, we have resorted to less science in favor of more art and
empiricism.
Since an environmental natural resources engineer must understand science
within the context of applications, we first present the development of the scientific
basis of a particular subject, followed by exposition of the pertinent design concepts
and operations, and detailed explanations of their applications to natural resources
conservation or environmental protection. Throughout the series, methods of mathematical modeling, system analysis, practical design, and calculation are illustrated
by numerical examples. These examples clearly demonstrate how organized, analytical reasoning leads to the most direct and clear solutions. Wherever possible,
pertinent cost data or models have been provided.
Our treatment of environmental natural resources engineering is offered in the
belief that the trained engineer should more firmly understand fundamental principles, should be more aware of the similarities and/or differences among many of the
engineering systems, and should exhibit greater flexibility and originality in the
definition and innovative solution of environmental system problems. In short, the
environmental and natural resources engineers should by conviction and practice be
more readily adaptable to change and progress.
Coverage of the unusually broad field of environmental natural resources engineering has demanded an expertise that could only be provided through multiple
authorships. Each author (or group of authors) was permitted to employ, within
reasonable limits, the customary personal style in organizing and presenting a
particular subject area; consequently, it has been difficult to treat all subject materials
in a homogeneous manner. Moreover, owing to limitations of space, some of the
authors’ favored topics could not be treated in great detail, and many less important
topics had to be merely mentioned or commented on briefly. All authors have
provided an excellent list of references at the end of each chapter for the benefit of
the interested readers. As each chapter is meant to be self-contained, some mild
repetition among the various texts was unavoidable. In each case, all omissions or
repetitions are the responsibility of the editors and not the individual authors. With
the current trend toward metrication, the question of using a consistent system of
units has been a problem. Wherever possible, the authors have used the British
system (fps) along with the metric equivalent (mks, cgs, or SIU) or vice versa. The
editors sincerely hope that this redundancy of units’ usage will prove to be useful
rather than being disruptive to the readers.
The goals of the Handbook of Environmental Engineering series are (1) to cover
entire environmental fields, including air and noise pollution control, solid waste
x
Preface