Environmental management Books

Book SynopsisIt is clear that nature is undergoing rapid changes as a result of human activities such as industry, agriculture, travel, fisheries and urbanisation. What effects do these activities have? Are they disturbing equilibria in ecological populations and communities, thus upsetting the balance of nature, or are they enhancing naturally occurring disequilibria, perhaps with even worse consequences? It is often argued that large-scale fluctuations in climate and sea-levels have occurred over and over again in the geological past, long before human activities could possibly have had any impact, and that human effects are very small compared to those that occur naturally. Should we conclude that human activity cannot significantly affect the environment, or are these naturally occurring fluctuations actually being dangerously enhanced by humans? This book examines these questions, first by providing evidence for equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions in relatively undisturbed ecosystems, aTrade Review'This book summarizes ecological responses to global environmental change; it is relevant to interested readers of different backgrounds trying to understand why scientists are worried about current environmental change.' Integrative and Comparative Biology'Klaus Rohde's fascinating edited volume The Balance of Nature and Human Impact offers a snapshot of current research, exploring evidence for or against equilibrium processes from an array of systems, interspersed with reviews of literature on selected topics.' Brian Drayton, Biological ConservationTable of ContentsPreface; Introduction Klaus Rohde; Part I. Nonequilibrium and Equilibrium in Populations and Metapopulations: 1. Reef fishes: density dependence and equilibrium in populations? Graham Forrester and Mark Steele; 2. Population dynamics of ectoparasites of terrestrial hosts Boris Krasnov and Annapaola Rizzoli; 3. Metapopulation dynamics in marine parasites Ana Perez del Omo, Aneta Kostadinova and Serge Morand; Part II. Nonequilibrium and Equilibrium in Communities: 4. The paradox of the plankton Klaus Rohde; 5. A burning issue: community stability and alternative stable states in relation to fire Peter J. Clarke and Mike J. Lawes; 6. Community stability and instability in ectoparasites of marine and freshwater fish Andrea Simkova and Klaus Rohde; 7. Ectoparasites of small mammals: interactive saturated and unsaturated communities Boris Krasnov; 8. A macroecological approach to the equilibrial vs. nonequilibrial debate using bird populations and communities Brian McGill; Part III. Equilibrium and Nonequilibrium on Geographical Scales: 9. Island flora and fauna: equilibrium and nonequilibrium Lloyd Morrison; 10. The turbulent past and future of arctic vascular plants: climate change, spatial variation, and genetic diversity Christian Brochmann, Mary E. Edwards and Inger G. Alsos; Part IV. Latitudinal Gradients: 11. Latitudinal diversity gradients: equilibrium and nonequilibrium explanations Klaus Rohde; 12. Effective evolutionary time and the latitudinal diversity gradient Len Gillman and Shane Wright; Part V. Effects Due to Invading Species, Habitat Loss and Climate Change: 13. The physics of climate: equilibrium, disequilibrium and chaos Michael Box; 14. Episodic processes, invasion and faunal mosaics in evolutionary and ecological time Eric Hoberg and Daniel R. Brooks; 15. The emerging infectious diseases crisis and pathogen pollution Daniel R. Brooks and Eric Hoberg; 16. Establishment or vanishing: fate of an invasive species based on mathematical models Yihong Du; 17. Anthropogenic footprints on biodiversity Camilo Mora and Fernando Zapata; 18. Worldwide decline and extinction of amphibians Harold Heatwole; 19. Climatic change and reptiles Harvey B. Lillywhite; 20. Equilibrium and non-equilibrium in Australian bird communities - the impact of natural and anthropogenic effects Hugh Ford; 21. Population dynamics of insects: impacts of a changing climate Nigel Andrew; 22. The futures of coral reefs Peter Sale; Part VI. Autecological Studies: 23. Autecology and the balance of nature-ecological laws and human induced invasions Gimme Walter; 24. The intricacy of structural and ecological adaptations: micromorphology and ecology of some Aspidogastrea Klaus Rohde; Part VII. An Overall View: 25. The importance of interspecific competition in regulating communities, equilibrium vs. nonequilibrium Klaus Rohde; 26. Evolutionarily stable strategies: how common are they? Klaus Rohde; 27. How to conserve biodiversity in a nonequilibrium world Klaus Rohde, Hugh Ford, Nigel R. Andrew and Harold Heatwole; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a comprehensive manual for decision-makers and policy leaders addressing the issues around human caused climate change, which threatens communities with increasing extreme weather events, sea level rise, and declining habitability of some regions due to desertification or inundation. The book looks at both mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and global warming and adaption to changing conditions as the climate changes. It encourages the early adoption of climate change measures, showing that rapid decarbonisation and improved resilience can be achieved while maintaining prosperity. The book takes a sector-by-sector approach, starting with energy and includes cities, industry, natural resources, and agriculture, enabling practitioners to focus on actions relevant to their field. It uses case studies across a range of countries, and various industries, to illustrate the opportunities available. Blending technological insights with economics and policy, the book presents tTable of ContentsIntroduction; 1. Policy frameworks and institutions for decarbonisation: the energy sector as 'litmus test' Lynette Molyneaux and Keith Sue; Technologies for decarbonising the electricity sector; 2. Wind energy Nathan Steggel and David Osmond; 3. Solar photovoltaics Andrew Blakers; 4. Solar thermal energy John Pye, Keith Lovegrove, Paul Gauché and Mark Mehos; 5. Nuclear energy Andrew Stuchbery and Tony Irwin; Box 5.1 Fusion energy Kenneth G. H. Baldwin; 6. Hydropower Jamie Pittock; 7. Energy storage Lachlan Blackhall, Evan Franklin, Bjorn Sturmberg, Alexey M. Glushenkov and Hedda Ransan-Cooper; 8. The hydrogen economy Fiona J. Beck, David Gourlay, Michelle Lyons and Mahesh B. Venkataraman; Example economies: 9. Decarbonisation strategies and economic opportunities in Australia Amandine Denis-Ryan, Frank Jotzo, Paul Graham, Steve Hatfield-Dodds, Philip Adams, Rob Kelly, Scott Ferraro, Andy Jones, Anna Skarbek, John Thwaites, Sarah Levy and Niina Kauto; 10. Decarbonisation strategies and economic opportunities in Indonesia Utjok W. R. Siagian and Retno Gumilang Dewi; Box 10.1 India: enhancing renewables through policy innovation Kenneth G. H. Baldwin; Cities and industry: 11. Cities Xuemei Bai, Timothy M. Baynes, Robert Webb, Chris Ryan and Michael Smith; 12. Buildings and precincts Michael Smith, Peter Newton, Alan Pears, Amandine Denis-Ryan and Eshan Ahuja; 13. Urban water Michael Smith, Andrea Turner and Stuart White; 14. National climate change adaptation case study: early adaptation to climate change through climate-compatible development and adaptation pathways Tim Capon, Mark Stafford Smith and Russell Wise; 15. Transport Michael Smith, Peter Stasinopoulos, Alan Pears and Eshan Ahuja; 16. Industrial and manufacturing Michael Smith, Alan Pears, Peter Stasinopoulos, Ali Hasanbeigi and Eshan Ahuja; Land Use, Forests and Agriculture: 17. Land use Heather Keith and Michael Smith; 18. Forests Heather Keith, Andrew Macintosh and Brendan Mackey; 19. Agriculture Mark Howden; Mining, metals, oil and gas: 20. Mining, metals, oil and gas Michael Smith, Jane Hodgkinson, Alan Pears and Peter Stasinopoulos; Addressing barriers to change; 21. Trade and climate change Karen Hussey and Thomas Faunce; 22. Improving the governance of governments Ken Coghill, Barbara Norman, Thomas Smith, Cristina Neesham and Abel Kinyondo; 23. Financing the transition Michael Smith, Pablo Berrutti, Nathan Fabian and Nicolette Boele; 24. Social movements for change Michael Smith.

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Book SynopsisBringing together the ideas of experts from around the world, this incisive text offers cutting-edge perspectives on the risk analysis and governance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), supporting effective and informed decision-making in developing countries. Comprised of four comprehensive sections, this book covers: integrated risk analysis and decision making, giving an overview of the science involved and examining risk analysis methods that impact decision-making on the release of GMOs, particularly in developing countries; diversification of expertise involved in risk analysis and practical ways in which the lack of expertise in developing countries can be overcome; risk analysis based regulatory systems and how they can be undermined by power relationships and socio-political interests, as well as strategies for improving GMO policy development and regulatory decision-making; and case studies from developing countries providing lessons based on real-world experience that Table of Contents1. Introduction Ademola A. Adenle, E. Jane Morris and Denis J. Murphy; 2. Recent scientific developments in genetic technologies: implications for future regulation of GMOs in developing countries Denis J. Murphy; 3. A strategy for integrating science into regulatory decision-making for GMOs Wendy Craig, Dennis Ndolo Obonyo and Mark Tepfer; 4. Governance of benefits and risks of GMOs in developing countries E. Jane Morris; 5. The Canadian experience with the creation and implementation of regulatory frameworks for the environmental release of GM crops as a model for developing countries Phil Macdonald; 6. Labelling of food from GMOs: options to consider by developing countries Wilna Jansen van Rijssen and Wynand J. van der Walt; 7. Building human capacity and skills in biosafety: lessons learned and emerging best practices John Komen and Muffy Koch; 8. Regulation of GMOs in developing countries: why socioeconomic considerations matter for decision-making Jose Falck-Zepeda and Marnus Gouse; 9. Food safety assessment of genetically modified crops in developing countries: the experience in Africa Godwin Lemgo, Narender Nehra and Hector Quemada; 10. Being scientific about socio-economics in GMO decision-making in developing countries Monica Racovita; 11. The sharing of information in risk assessment: how national authorities co-operate Peter Kearns, Bertrand Dagallier and Takahiko Nikaido; 12. Should GM rice with nutrition benefits be deployed? Findings from biotech and socio-economic research Hans De Steur, Dieter Blancquaert, Christophe Stove, Willy Lambert, Dominique Van Der Straeten and Xavier Gellynck; 13. The risk analysis framework and biosafety policy Peter W. B. Phillips and Stuart J. Smyth; 14. Precautionary principle as a barrier to GMO risk analysis: Elicitation of experts' viewpoints Ademola A. Adenle; 15. How do socio-political disputes of GMOs influence decision-making in developing countries? Hossein Azadi, Ademola A. Adenle and Klaus Ammann; 16. Biosafety communication: beyond risk communication Andrea Sonnino and Sandra Sharry; 17. The role of mass media and lobbies in the formulation of GMO regulations Mauro Vigani; 18. Risk regulation of agricultural GMOs in China: challenges and prospects Wen Xiang; 19. Commercial use and governance of Bt cotton in China Yunhe Li, Yanhui Lu, Eric M. Hallerman, Yufa Peng and Kongming Wu; 20. Regulatory regime of genetically modified crops in India Krishna Ravi Srinivas; 21. The Argentinian GMO biosafety system: an evolving perspective Carmen Vicien and Eduardo Trigo; 22. The Brazilian GMO regulatory system: a historical view and perspective Edivaldo Domingues Velini, Maria Lúcia Zaidan Dagli, Gutemberg Delfino de Souza, Rubens José Nascimento, Tassiana Fronza Pinho, Paulo Paes de Andrade and Helaine Carrer; 23. Effective regulatory regime supported by research and development is key to adoption of GM technology in West Africa: Burkina Faso and Nigeria as case studies Olalekan Akinbo, Ademola A. Adenle and Diran Makinde; 24. Pathway for biosafety regulation of GMOs in Sub-Saharan Africa Julius Ecuru; 25. Conclusions and recommendations E. Jane Morris, Ademola A. Adenle and Denis J. Murphy.

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Book SynopsisPopulation growth and rising living standards, on the one hand, and changing climate, on the other hand, have exacerbated water scarcity worldwide. To address this problem, policymakers need to take a wide view of the water economy a complex structure involving environmental, social, economic, legal, and institutional aspects. A coherent water policy must look at the water economy as a whole and apply a comprehensive approach to policy interventions. Written by two of the world''s leading scholars on economics of water, this is the first graduate-level textbook on the topic. The book discusses water resource management within a comprehensive framework that integrates the different, yet highly entwined, elements of a water economy. It follows the steps needed to develop a well-designed set of policies based on detailed analyses of intervention measures, using multi-sectoral and economy-wide examples from a variety of locations and situations around the world.Trade Review'A comprehensive, integrated approach for evaluating and improving the management of scarce water resources across the globe. The fundamental principles of economics, critical role of institutions, and legal norms restricting water allocation policies are insightfully represented. I am completely persuaded by the authors' modular structure of the advanced framework and its implications for the future of water resource management challenges.' Gordon Rausser, University of California, Berkeley'A clear, precise introduction to the challenges of managing common pool resources. This book's lessons go beyond water, covering dynamic resource allocation and management and combining technical rigor with insightful analysis of real world challenges.' David Zilberman, University of California, Berkeley'The first and most outstanding book that clearly explains water economy through economic theories and approaches. Anyone who is interested in water related economic and policy issues should read this important book.' Jinxia Wang, Peking University'Economics provides an analytical lens for understanding the difficulties for managing water equitably, efficiently and sustainably. This book presents advances in water economics and how this field can prescribe policy designs and offer applicable lessons. A canonical guide for intermediate students and scholars looking for basic theory foundations.' Alberto Garrido, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain'This book develops a water economy edifice, which breaks through the traditional methodology to incorporate natural, social, and economic aspects, as well as hydrological and hydraulic factors, into the analysis framework. This brings the study of the economy of water resources into a more inclusive system.' Dajun Shen, Renmin University of China'… a lucid and mathematically rigorous account of the many dimensions of water management. Recommended.' A. A. Batabyal, Choice ConnectTable of Contents1. The state of water resources and the need for a comprehensive perspective; 2. The water economy; 3. Supply costs, demands and benefits; 4. Optimal water policy; 5. Water regulation; 6. Conjunctive use; 7. Case studies of regulatory interventions; 8. Economy-wide considerations of water management; 9. Management of transboundary water; Index.

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Book SynopsisFrom climate change to species extinction, humanity is confronted with an increasing array of societal and environmental challenges that defy simple quantifiable solutions. Complexity-based ecology provides a new paradigm for ecologists and conservationists keen to embrace the uncertainty that is pressed upon us. This book presents key research papers chosen by some sixty scholars from various continents, across a diverse span of sub-disciplines. The papers are set alongside first person commentary from many of the seminal voices involved, offering unprecedented access to experts'' viewpoints. The works assembled also shed light on the process of science in general, showing how the shifting of wider perspectives allows for new ideas to take hold. Ideal for undergraduate and advanced students of ecology and conservation, their educators and those working across allied fields, this is the first book of its kind to focus on complexity-based approaches and provides a benchmark for future cTrade Review'Conservation is built on the foundations of ecology but it often seems that conservation uses ecology in fragmented ways - only knowing a piece of the proverbial elephant but not the whole animal. Complex Ecology is the first anthology that provides the full interconnected understanding of ecology and its implications for application. At a time when humanity is pushing the limits of planetary thresholds with climate change and an expanding footprint of impacts, Complex Ecology provides an essential compass for scientists and conservationists to navigate the shifting ecological context of conservation action. This book contains the touchstone primary sources that underpin resilience theory, conservation biology, and trophic ecology.' Gary Tabor, Center for Large Landscape Conservation, MontanaTable of ContentsForeword; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Aggregation in complex systems; 2. Diversity in ecology and conservation; 3. The role of flows of energy and resources in structuring social and ecological systems; 4. Non-linearity in natural, social, and physical systems; 5. Applied implications and subversive science; Epilogue.

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Book SynopsisThrough a long history of co-evolution, multicellular organisms form a complex of host cells plus many associated microorganism species. Consisting of algae, bacteria, archaea, fungi, protists and viruses, and collectively referred to as the microbiome, these microorganisms contribute to a range of important functions in their hosts, from nutrition, to behaviour and disease susceptibility. In this book, a diverse and international group of active researchers outline how multicellular organisms have become reliant on their microbiomes to function, and explore this vital interdependence across the breadth of soil, plant, animal and human hosts. They draw parallels and contrasts across hosts in different environments, and discuss how this invisible microbial ecosystem influences everything from the food we eat, to our health, to the correct functioning of ecosystems we depend on. This insightful read also pertinently encourages students and researchers in microbial ecology, ecology, and mTrade Review'This book focuses on current research investigations of the microbiomes found in animals, plants, and soils. The authors propose an emerging theoretical framework for investigating the complex interactions between microbiomes and their habitats. They promote advancements for studying microbiomes and microorganisms in situ, or in the natural environment, rather than focusing on classical methods using in vitro studies as conducted in labs. Each chapter reveals the significant roles that microbiomes play in biogeochemical cycling and in homeostatic mechanisms of host organisms and natural environments. Also discussed are the impacts of anthropogenic changes on microbiome interactions. Topics in the book include background information on microbiomes, analytical methods for studying them, a review of microbiome research investigations, and biotechnology applications of microbiome research. Each chapter provides a wealth of primary references. As an added plus, the readability level is appropriate for those lacking an extensive background in science.' B. R. Shmaefsky, Choice'It is a solid, approachable introduction to the role of microbiomes in ecology and could serve as a primary reading for a graduate seminar course or for a researcher just entering the field.' Jonathan Newman and Newman Lab Group, The Quarterly Review of BiologyTable of ContentsPreface; 1. Microbiomes of soils, plants and animals: an introduction Rachael E. Antwis, Xavier A. Harrison, Michael J. Cox, Sophia Carryl, Meagan Dewar, James Doonan, Ellen L. Fry, Jack Gilbert, Bethan Greenwood, Reid N. Harris, Zenobia Lewis, Anne Lizé, James McDonald, Valerie McKenzie, Marc Sze and Feng Zhu; 2. Analytical approaches for microbiome research Xavier A. Harrison and Simon J. S. Cameron; 3. Microbiomes of soils Reuben Margerison, Océane Nicolitch and Yaqian Zhang; 4. Factors that shape the host microbiome Marc Sze, James Doonan, James E. McDonald, Reid Harris and Meagan Dewar; 5. Microbial symbioses and host nutrition Philip Donkersley, Sam Robinson, Ella K. Deutsch and Alastair T. Gibbons; 6. The microbiome and host behaviour Anne Lizé and Zenobia Lewis; 7. Host microbiomes and disease James E. McDonald, Reid N. Harris, James Doonan, Sophia Carryl, Marc Sze, Valerie McKenzie and Jack A. Gilbert; 8. Adapting to environmental change Ellen L. Fry, Feng Zhu and Bethan Greenwood; 9. Microbial biotechnology Rachael E. Antwis, Ellen Fry, Chloë E. James and Natalie Ferry; 10. Synthesis and future directions Rachael E. Antwis, Xavier A. Harrison and Michael J. Cox; Index.

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Book SynopsisForests play an important role in resolving global challenges such as sustainable development, climate change, biodiversity loss, and food and water security. Stopping deforestation is crucial for the future of our planet. Global efforts to curb deforestation, have been partially successful, but have largely fallen short. At the same time, national level efforts to support human development, reflected in the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, aim to increase the welfare and wellbeing of populations living in poverty. Meeting these development goals will inevitably have crosscutting effects on initiatives to address deforestation. In balancing these goals, policy makers are confronted with wicked problems or problems where there are moral considerations and where limited information is available for policy makers. This book is focused on how wicked forest policy problems have been, and can be, addressed.Trade Review'This volume edited by Nikolakis and Innes … explores a range of policies in use around the world to sustainably manage forests.' B. D. Orr, Choice'The global COVID-19 pandemic has recently brought a wicked problem into sharp focus on a worldwide scale, as governments try to strike a balance between imposing restrictions that would slow the spread of the disease, while simultaneously avoiding economic collapse. Achieving the sustainable management of our environment is likewise fraught with wicked problems, not least of which are to be found in the forestry sector. The process of trying to control this destruction, and steering the management of forests towards sustainable conservation and use, has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for wicked problems. This book provides an extensive review of these problems, the policy approaches that have been developed to address them, and how well they are working or not. … [It is] very informative for anyone involved in the environmental policy field to read this book.' Brian W. van Wilgen, South African Journal of ScienceTable of Contents1. The wicked problem of forest policy William Nikolakis and John L. Innes; Part I. Wicked Problems and Policies: 2. Why forests matter? Frances Seymour; 3. Forest certification and forest use: a comprehensive analysis Fred Cubbage and Erin Sills; 4. REDD+ meets local realities Arild Vatn, Maria Nantongo and Raymond Samndong; 5. Have payments for ecosystem services delivered for the rural poor? A decade of implementation in the 'global South' Diana Alfonso-Bécares and Esteve Corbera; 6. Tackling gender inequality through forest-related policies and programmes: global challenges, multi-scale innovations, and local experiences Marlène Elias, Bimbika Sijapati Basnett and Jennie Dey de Pryck; 7. Forestry crimes and our planet: a review Christian Nellemann, Rune Henriksen, Margaretha Schlingemann and Riccardo Pravettoni; 8. Forest bioeconomy development: markets and industry structures Lauri Hetemäki and Elias Hurmekoski; Part II. Tools to Address Wicked Problems: 9. The wicked problems of Indonesia's forests require effective institutions to resolve difficult trade-offs Jeffrey Sayer; 10. Power to the forest people: tendencies, impact and the future of locally-controlled forests David Kaimowitz and Fernanda Tomaselli; 11. How are land use multi-stakeholder forums affected by their contexts? Perspectives from two regions of the Peruvian Amazon Juan Pablo Sarmiento Barletti and Anne Larson; 12. Sustainable landscape investment: a framework for governance of institutional investment in the forestry sector David Brand, MaryKate Bullen and Radha Kuppalli; 13. Community forestry in Liberia: progress and pitfalls Robert O'Hagan, Alida O'Connor, John Fa and Terry Sunderland; 14. Are some forestry problems too wicked? John L. Innes and William Nikolakis.

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Book SynopsisUntil now, biological invasions have been conceptualised and studied mainly as a linear process: from introduction to establishment to spread. This volume charts a new course for the field, drawing on key developments in network ecology and complexity science. It defines an agenda for Invasion Science 2.0 by providing new framings and classification of research topics and by offering tentative solutions to vexing problems. In particular, it conceptualises a transformative ecosystem as an open adaptive network with critical transitions and turnover, with resident species heuristically learning and fine-tuning their niches and roles in a multiplayer eco-evolutionary game. It erects signposts pertaining to network interactions, structures, stability, dynamics, scaling, and invasibility. It is not a recipe book or a road map, but an atlas of possibilities: a ''hitchhiker''s guide''.Table of Contents1. Invasion science 1.0; 2. Relentless evolution; 3. Network assembly; 4. Regimes and panarchy; 5. Network transitions; 6. Network scaling; 7. Rethinking invasibility.

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Book SynopsisBeaches, barrier islands and tidal inlets are valuable coastal resources and provide desirable environments that are often densely populated. They are dynamic landforms that change constantly, driven by both normal processes and energetic storms. They behave as one interconnected system and must be understood and managed as such. This book discusses their various morphologic features, as well as the processes that shape them and future challenges due to environmental change. A major focus is placed on the interaction between sandy beaches and tidal inlets, and the sediment exchange among various morphologic features. Balancing these valuable sediment resources while maintaining the natural sediment exchange constitutes a major goal of modern shore protection and coastal management. Illustrated with numerous aerial photographs to demonstrate how beaches and tidal inlets interact, this book provides a valuable reference for graduate students, researchers and professionals working in coaTable of Contents1. Introduction; 2. Beach and inlet systems under different geological and oceanographic settings; 3. Hydrodynamics and sediment processes applicable to beach-inlet systems; 4. Sedimentology and morphodynamics of beach-inlet systems; 5. Interaction of beaches and inlets; 6. Methods to mitigate beach erosion and ensure inlet navigation safety; 7. Regional sediment management at beach-inlet systems; 8. Resiliency of beach-inlet systems facing sea-level rise, storm impacts and human stresses; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisConservation translocation - the movement of species for conservation benefit - includes reintroducing species into the wild, reinforcing dwindling populations, helping species shift ranges in the face of environmental change, and moving species to enhance ecosystem function. Conservation translocation can lead to clear conservation benefits and can excite and engage a broad spectrum of people. However, these projects are often complex and involve careful consideration and planning of biological and socio-economic issues. This volume draws on the latest research and experience of specialists from around the world to help provide guidance on best practice and to promote thinking over how conservation translocations can continue to be developed. The key concepts cover project planning, biological and social factors influencing the efficacy of translocations, and how to deal with complex decision-making. This book aims to inspire, inform and help practitioners maximise their chances of suTrade Review'Tackling big problems requires a diversity of knowledge and perspectives. As such I am so pleased to present this first authoritative text on conservation translocations. Contributors from all around the world not only showcase lessons learned to date but also set the stage for future actions that will help species large and small, restore ecosystems from oceans to land, and yield benefits for humanity that transcend geography and culture.' Razan Al Mubarak, President, International Union for Conservation of Nature'The many chapters provide an excellent review of the existing literature, both formally and informally published, and will be an invaluable guide for future practice.' Oryx - The International Journal of ConservationTable of ContentsPart I. Conservation Translocations: Getting Started: 1. Moving Species: Reintroductions and other conservation translocations Martin J. Gaywood and Mark Stanley-PriceI; 2. Conservation translocations: Planning and the initial appraisal Sarah E. Dalrymple and Joe M. Bellis; Part II. Conservation Translocations: The Key Issues: 3. Conservation translocations and the law Arie Trouwborst, Andy Blackmore, Sally Blyth, Floor Fleurke, Phillipa McCormack and Martin J. Gaywood; 4. Decision making in animal conservation translocations: Biological considerations and beyond John G. Ewen, Stefano Canessa, Sarah J. Converse and Kevin A. Parker; 5. Animal disease and conservation translocations Anthony W. Sainsbury and Claudia Carraro; 6. Animal welfare, animal rights, and conservation translocations: Moving forward in the face of ethical dilemmas Lauren A. Harrington, Natasha Lloyd and Axel Moehrenschlager; 7. Conservation translocations for plants Joyce Maschinski and Matthew Albrecht; 8. Plant health, biosecurity and conservation translocations Ruth Mitchell, Sarah Green and Peter M. Hollingsworth; 9. Genomics and conservation translocations Linda E. Neaves, Rob Ogden and Peter M. Hollingsworth; 10. The human dimensions and the public engagement spectrum of conservation translocation Jenny A. Glikman, Beatrice Frank, Camilla Sandström, Samantha Meysohn, Michelle Bogardus, Francine Madden and Alexandra Zimmermann; 11. Assisted colonisation and ecological replacement Maria Hällfors and Sarah E. Dalrymple; 12. The role of conservation translocations in rewilding and de-extinction Philip J. Seddon; Part III. Conservation Translocations: Looking to the Future: 13. From genes to ecosystems and beyond: Addressing eleven contentious issues to advance the future of conservation translocations Axel Moehrenschlager, Pritpal Soorae and Tammy E. Steeves; Part IV. Case Studies: 14. Reintroduction of the endemic plant Manglietiastrum sinicum (Magnoliaceae) to Yunnan Province, China Weibang Sun, Lei Cai and Peter M. Hollingsworth; 15. Applying adaptive management to reintroductions of pyne's ground-plum Astragalus bibullatus Matthew A. Albrecht; 16. Five reasons to consider long-term monitoring: case studies from bird reintroductions on Tiritiri Matangi Island Doug P. Armstrong, Elizabeth H. Parlato and John G. Ewen; 17. Multiple reintroductions to restore ecological interactions in a defaunated tropical forest Marcelo Lopes Rheingantz, Alexandra dos Santos Pires and Fernando A. S. Fernandez; 18. Bringing Jaguars and their prey base back to the iberá wetlands, Argentina Emiliano Donadio, Talía Zamboni and Sebastián Di Martino; 19. The return of the Eurasian beaver to Britain: The implications of unplanned releases and the human dimension Roisin Campbell-Palmer, Andrew Bauer, Simon Jones, Ben Ross and Martin J. Gaywood; 20. The role of community engagement in conservation translocations: The South Of Scotland Golden Eagle Project (SSGEP) Catherine Barlow; 21. The European native oyster and the challenges for conservation translocations: The Scottish experience Cass Bromley and David W. Donnan; 22. Slow and steady wins the race: using non-native tortoises to rewild islands off Mauritius Carl G. Jones, Vikash Tatayah, Rosemary Moorhouse-Gann, Christine Griffiths, Nicolas Zuël, and Nik Cole; 23. Assisted colonisation as a conservation tool: Tasmanian Devils and Maria Island Carolyn Hogg and Phil Wise; Index.

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Book SynopsisEcologists and economists both use models to help develop strategies for biodiversity management. The practical use of disciplinary models, however, can be limited because ecological models tend not to address the socioeconomic dimension of biodiversity management, whereas economic models tend to neglect the ecological dimension. Given these shortcomings of disciplinary models, there is a necessity to combine ecological and economic knowledge into ecological-economic models. Gradually guiding the reader into the field of ecological-economic modelling by introducing mathematical models and their role in general, this book provides an overview on ecological and economic modelling approaches relevant for research in the field of biodiversity conservation. It discusses the advantages of and challenges associated with ecological-economic modelling, together with an overview of useful ways of integration. Although being a book about mathematical modelling, ecological and economic concepts plTrade Review'… the book aims to give a comprehensive survey of useful mathematical methods relevant to environmental policy design. The author stops to explain core concepts and provide historical context where necessary.' Chay Paterson, zbMATHTable of ContentsPart I. Modelling: 1. What is a model?; 2. Purposes of modelling; 3. Typical model features; Part II. Ecological Modelling: 4. Homogenous deterministic population models; 5. Homogenous stochastic population models; 6. Spatial population models; 7. Models with individual variability; 8. Models of biodiversity; Part III. Economic Modelling: 9. Instruments for biodiversity conservation; 10. Game theory; 11. Incentive design; 12. Modelling human decisions; 13. The agglomeration bonus; Part IV. Ecological-Economic Modelling: 14. Foundations of ecological-economic modelling; 15. Benefits and challenges of ecological-economic modelling; 16. Integration of ecological and economic models; 17. Examples of ecological-economic modelling; 18. Outlook.

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Book SynopsisUntil now, biological invasions have been conceptualised and studied mainly as a linear process: from introduction to establishment to spread. This volume charts a new course for the field, drawing on key developments in network ecology and complexity science. It defines an agenda for Invasion Science 2.0 by providing new framings and classification of research topics and by offering tentative solutions to vexing problems. In particular, it conceptualises a transformative ecosystem as an open adaptive network with critical transitions and turnover, with resident species heuristically learning and fine-tuning their niches and roles in a multiplayer eco-evolutionary game. It erects signposts pertaining to network interactions, structures, stability, dynamics, scaling, and invasibility. It is not a recipe book or a road map, but an atlas of possibilities: a ''hitchhiker''s guide''.Table of Contents1. Invasion science 1.0; 2. Relentless evolution; 3. Network assembly; 4. Regimes and panarchy; 5. Network transitions; 6. Network scaling; 7. Rethinking invasibility.

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Book SynopsisHow we view nature transforms the world around us. People rehearse stories about nature which make sense to them. If we ask the question ''why conserve nature?'', and the answers are based on myths, then are these good myths to have? Scientific knowledge about the environment is fundamental to ideas about how nature works. It is essential to the conservation endeavour. However, any conservation motivation is nested within a society''s meanings of nature and the way society values it. Given the therapeutic and psychological significance of nature for us and our culture, this book considers the meanings derived from the poetic and emotional attachment to a sense of place, which is arguably just as important as scientific evidence. The functional significance of species is important, but so too is the therapeutic value of nature, together with the historic and spiritual meanings entwined in a human feeling for landscape and wildlife.Table of ContentsPart I. The Experience of Nature: 1. The experience of nature; 2. Climate change; Part II. Nature Imagined: 3. Nature in ecological science: explanations, emotions and motivations; 4. Nature in literature and art; Part III. Nature, Self and Place: 5. Personal meanings of nature; 6. Places for nature; Part IV. Why Conserve Nature?: 7. Possibilities.

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Book SynopsisAnimal population ecology comprises the study of variations, regulation, and interactions of animal populations. This book discusses the fundamental notions and findings of animal populations on which most of the ecological studies are based. In particular, the author selects the logistic law of population growth, the nature of competition, sociality as an antithesis of competition, the mechanism underlying the regulation of populations, predator-prey interaction processes, and interactions among closely related species competing over essential resources. These are the notions that are considered to be well-established facts or principles and are regularly taught at ecology classes or introduced in standard textbooks. However, the author demonstrates that these notions are still inadequately understood, or even misunderstood, creating myths that would misguide ecologists in carrying out their studies. He delves deeply into those notions to reveal their real nature and draws a road map Trade Review'This would be a valuable text for quantitative ecology courses. While manageable for interested general readers, its emphasis on mathematical applications and predictive parameters would make it most useful in advanced courses as a source of real-world examples. Mathematicians, too, may find the text valuable for teaching modeling in general, to supplement econometric, demographic, and climate models.' J. Burger, ChoiceTable of Contents1. Hunting strategies of predators as revealed in field studies of great tits; 2. The paradox of crypsis: is it effective against visual predation?; 3. Logistic law of population growth: what is it really?; 4. Reproduction curves and their utilities; 5. Generalization of the logistic model; 6. Scramble and contest competition: what is the difference?; 7. Regulation of populations: its myths and real nature; 8. Predator-prey interaction processes; 9. Interspecific competition processes; 10. Observations, analyses, and interpretations: a personal view through the spruce budworm studies.

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Book SynopsisThis book addresses an important problem in ecology: how are communities assembled from species pools? This pressing question underlies a broad array of practical problems in ecology and environmental science, including restoration of damaged landscapes, management of protected areas, and protection of threatened species. This book presents a simple logical structure for ecological assembly and addresses key areas including species pools, traits, environmental filters, and functional groups. It demonstrates the use of two predictive models (CATS and Traitspace) and consists of many wide-ranging examples including plants in deserts, wetlands, and forests, and communities of fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, and fungi. Global in scope, this volume ranges from the arid lands of North Africa, to forests in the Himalayas, to Amazonian floodplains. There is a strong focus on applications, particularly the twin challenges of conserving biodiversity and understanding community responses to clTrade Review'… this book opens many intriguing questions about the theoretical framework of community ecology … The rather idiosyncratic positions expressed by the authors may be stimulating for a broad audience of ecologists, even (perhaps especially) for those who disagree. It is exactly the unusual character of this book that makes it particularly interesting.' Simone Fattorini, Community EcologyTable of ContentsPreface; 1. A general framework for community ecology; 2. Filters; 3. Species pools; 4. Traits; 5. Trait-environment interactions; 6. Functional groups; 7. Predictive models of community assembly; 8. Prospects and possibilities; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisThis textbook presents key theoretical approaches to understanding issues of sustainability and environmental management, perfectly bridging the gap between engineering and environmental science. It begins with the fundamentals of environmental modelling and toxicology, which are then used to discuss qualitative and quantitative risk assessment methods, and environmental assessments of product design. It discusses how business and government can work towards sustainability, focusing on managerial and legal tools, before considering ethics and how decisions on environmental management can be made. Students will learn quantitative methods while also gaining an understanding of qualitative, legal, and ethical aspects of sustainability. Practical applications are included throughout, and there are study questions at the end of each chapter. PowerPoint slides and jpegs of all the figures in the book are provided online. This is the perfect textbook on environmental studies for engineering aTrade Review'This book … focuses on the pressing issue of encouraging engineers and applied scientists to consider sustainability in their designs. Hopefully, this text will get into the hands of all engineers and applied scientists who recognize that sustainability is everyone's responsibility, not just for those with 'environmental' in their titles.' B. Bero, ChoiceTable of ContentsPreface; Reader's guide: how is this all connected? 1. The engineer's role in environmental protection; 2. The Earth system: natural operation and human impacts; 3. Impacts of chemical pollution; 4. Modelling environmental transport and fate of pollutants; 5. Introduction to toxicology; 6. Qualitative and quantitative risk assessment; 7. Environmental assessment of products and processes; 8. Regulatory structures; 9. Decision-making; References; Index.

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Book SynopsisProceedings of the 8th International Symposium on Aquatic Oligochaeta, held in Bilbao, Spain, 18-22 July 2000Table of ContentsPreface. List of participants. Some memories of Dr Gilberto Righi (1937-1999); M.L. Christoffersen. In memoriam, Professor Perry C. Holt, Ph.D. (1910-2000); S.R. Gelder. Part One: Taxonomy. Descriptions of three Pristina species (Naididae, Clitellata) from Amazonian forest soils, including P. marcusi sp. nov.; R. Collado, R.M. Schmelz. A new lumbriculid genus and species from North America (Clitellata, Lumbriculidae); S.V. Fend, D.L. Gustafson. Taxonomical survey of some stygobiont oligochaetes from the eastern part of France, including description of a new species; J. Juget, M. des Châteliers. A preliminary study of oligochaetes in Poyang Lake, the largest freshwater lake of China, and its vicinity, with description of a new species of Limnodrilus; H. Wang, Y. Liang. New alluroids (Annelida, Clitellata) from Guyana; P. Omodeo, K.A. Coates. Part Two: Diversity and Distribution. Notes on the diversity and distribution of Australian Naididae and Phreodrilidae (Oligochaeta: Annelida); A. Pinder. Oligochaetes in southern European groundwater: new records and an overview; N. Giani, et al. Oligochaete communities in the hyporheic zone of a glacial river, the Roseg River, Switzerland; M. Lafont, F. Malard. Oligochaetes in Lake Towada, Japan, an oligotrophic caldera; A. Ohtaka. Distribution and dispersal capacity of the Ponto-Caspian tubificid oligochaete Pothamothrix. moldaviensis Vejdovsky et Mrázek, 1903 in the Baltic Sea Region; G. Milbrink, T. Timm. Part Three: Morphology and Embriology. Temporal pattern of the double sperm line production in Tubifex tubifex (Annelida, Oligochaeta); S. Boi, M. Ferraguti. External structures used during attachment and sperm transfer in tubificids(Annelida, Oligochaeta); S. Cuadrado, E. Martínez-Ansemil. Mysterious `crystals': found on the epidermal peritoneum of marine tubificid (Clitellata: Annelida) species; K.A. Coates, et al. Pattern formation in embryos of the oligochaete annelid Tubifex: cellular basis for segmentation and specification of segmental identity; T. Shimizu, et al. Part Four: Feeding Biology and Reproduction. Selective feeding by the aquatic oligochaete Tubifex tubifex (Tubificidae, Clitellata); P. Rodriguez, et al. Cocoon deposition of Rhyacodrilus hiemalis Ohtaka (Tubificidae) in Lake Biwa, Japan; T. Narita. Part Five: Ecotoxicology and Bioaccumulation. Utility and relevance of aquatic oligochaetes in Ecological Risk Assessment; P. Chapman. Tubifex tubifex as a link in food chain transfer of hexachlorobenzene from contaminated sediment to fish; P. Egeler, et al. Bioaccumulation of lindane and hexachlorobenzene by the oligochaetes Enchytraeus Luxuriosus and Enchytraeus albidus (Enchytraeidae, Oligochaeta, Annelida); E. Bruns, et al. Part Six: Ecology. Spatial and temporal variations of oligochaetes of the Ivinhema River and Patos Lake on the Upper Paraná River Basin, Brazil; M.C. Montanholi-Martins, A.M. Takeda. The distribution and ecology of littoral Oligochaeta and Aphanoneura (Annelida) of the Natural and Historical Reserve of Isla Martín García, Río de la Plata River, Argentina; L.C. Armendáriz, I.I. César. Effects of Nais elinguis on the performance of an activated sludge plant; C.H. Ratsak. Half a century of oligochaete research in Estonian running waters; T. Timm, et al. Oligochaeta of the Morava and Odra Riv

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Book SynopsisIn this book, Chapter One explores these conflicts and disputes focusing on the Harapan Rainforest Project, and weighs the relevance of ERCs for German development cooperation. Chapter Two discusses Cambodia, where land use has been changing increasingly as dry evergreen forests are being converted into rubber plantations. Based on the case of Slovenia, Chapter Three shows that social irresponsibility (eg: inadequate spatial planning, lack of supervision, insufficient insurance policies, and a mix of politics and capital influences) is a factor more responsible than climate change for the catastrophic consequences of natural disasters. In Chapter Four, a variety of optical methods is used to investigate the flicker patterns of light in small waterfalls and their splash zones. Chapter Five discusses the Chandrabhaga river basin, where to release partial pressure from ground water, delineation of the alternative surface water irrigation potential zone is necessary for agricultural sustenance. Chapter Six examines the spatial patterns of urban runoff and occurrences of droughts using Geographic Information System and spatial statistics. Chapter Seven seeks to highlight use of innovative and digital tools for improving design process and comfort in the built environment.

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Book SynopsisLocated in the North Western fringes of Africa, Morocco stretches from North to South on approximately 3000 kilometres of Atlantic coasts. It is a very diverse country, encompassing several landscapes, such as high mountains (e.g., the Atlas and the Rif) and various plains and oases. Chapter One addresses key features of Moroccos plant diversity, the originality and importance of this national plant heritage for the present and the future nationally and internationally in the light of growing threats and global environmental and political changes. The purpose of Chapter Two is to palliate to this issue by developing a spectrometric approach for monitoring soils and waters; an approach which is effective, fast, easy to implement and reliable. Chapter Three reports on the emerging challenges facing the Moroccan agricultural sector. Chapter Four describes some essential aspects marking the quantitative evolution of the Moroccan education system and presents the evolution of the main educational indicators. Chapter Five reports on the many efforts that have been made in recent decades in Morocco in the priority areas of sustainable development and the environment to promote a green and inclusive economy while taking into account the threefold aim of respecting the environment, fighting against poverty and sustaining the economic activity. Chapter Six will: 1) focus on sustainable development strategy adopted in the kingdom; 2) concentrate on the economic, social and health system components as health determinants, and finally discus relationships between health- sustainable development and climate change. Chapter Seven will clarify the theoretical concepts underlying the notion of the emergency and the time pressure and will appeal the exploration through a qualitative approach and use individual interviews with Moroccan SMEs managers in the empirical study in order to answer the question.

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Book SynopsisIn chapter one by Antoine P Trzcinski, Ph.D., a simulated Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) was treated in an anaerobic two-stage membrane process in order to develop and optimise said process, effectively allowing for improvement upon the current performances obtained with single stage designs. In chapter two, Huu Tap Van and Van Tuyen Trinh present a study with the intent to improve current methods of removal of organic compounds from landfill leachate by Peozone. In chapter three by Hamidi Abdul Aziz and Hossein Farraji, main hazardous compounds of LL and their expected effects on the environment are introduced, as well as plant-based treatment methods. Next, chapter four by Adekunle A Bakare, Chibuisi G Alimba, Titilayo Hassan, Ebenezer O Ajayi, and Akindayo A Sowunmi explores the 96 h median lethal toxicity and cytogenotoxicity of a sawmill wood leachate from a sawmill dumpsite at Ibadan, Nigeria in Clarias gariepinus were investigated, providing further research on the DNA damaging potential of sawmill wood leachate (SWL) in aquatic vertebrates.

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Book SynopsisGeodiversity is a topic widely researched around the globe and numerous studies have been developed in recent years based on geodiversity and related topics such as geomorphosites and geotourism. In Romania: Environmental, Social and Economic Issues, the authors highlight the diversity of geosites in Anina Mountains, Romania and the role of this high geodiversity in environmental protection, education and socio-economic development.Next, the authors discuss the interest in green technology from the authorities and inhabitants of Romania. Additionally, in Romania there is an increasing interest in building with low pollution, high efficiency and environmental friendliness.In closing, the authors discuss the political crisis of December, 1937 in Romania which caused the formation of the government of O. Goga, the chairman of the National Christian Party. The activities of the government were also interrupted by the King''s decision to establish authoritativeness on 11 February 1938.

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Book SynopsisSince 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed and promulgated numerous regulations to implement the pollution control statutes enacted by Congress. Critics have reacted strongly. Some, both within Congress and outside of it, have accused the agency of reaching beyond the authority given it by Congress and ignoring or underestimating the costs and economic impacts and overestimating the benefits of proposed and promulgated rules.

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Book SynopsisThis compilation opens by presenting a discussion on the main conditions for the successful start-up and operation of full-scale mainstream partial nitrification-anammox technology, advantages of partial nitrification-anammox technology over other technologies of wastewater treatment, and a description of the interactions among key microbial groups and their identification by using metagenomic approaches. Next, one study elucidates the performance of anammox hybrid reactors under various operating conditions to optimize and assess its efficacy and feasibility for nitrogen removal from wastewater. Four numbers of hybrid reactors conglomerating the dual advantages of attached and suspended growth were designed and investigated. The authors seek to produce a soil erosion susceptibility map with selected parameters including elevation, slope, aspect, slope curvature, stream power index, topographic wetness index, cover management factor, land use/land cover, rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, lineament density, distance from lineament, and distance from stream and drainage density. The weighted linear combination method is applied using remote sensing and geographical information system techniques in the Shiri river basin of Darjeeling, Himalaya. The following study addresses the financial and economic benefits of tourism, and whether these economic benefits are to the detriment of the natural environment. This is done by conducting an investigation into community fishing practices around Mnemba Island. Semi-structured interviews were held with Mnemba Island Lodge staff, local fishermen and local authorities involved in the fisheries around Mnemba Participatory observations were also used to support the data collected by the semi-structured interviews. The authors present data suggesting that of insolation is of high importance for the structuring of floodplain ecosystems because it has potential to impact floodplain lakes regardless of flooding. It is proposed that future investigations of floodplain aquatic habitats should take into account insolation effects other than those of hydrology. The closing chapter provides a brief review of anchovy characteristics, habitats, use, and eco-friendly treatment of anchovy waste/wastewater for reutilization. Anchovy is an attractive resource for the production of functional compounds such as antimutagenic, antifungal, antioxidant and antibacterial agents.

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Book SynopsisWith a wide variety of soil and climatic conditions as well as types of landscape in its territory, the Crimean Peninsula has a very long history of economic activity that can be broken down into multiple stages. There was an especially significant change in the natural landscapes on the peninsula during the Great Greek Colonization of the Northern Black Sea coast, when several major agricultural zones emerged in Crimea and the subsequent agricultural impacts on the soils continued for a millennium. The results give an idea about the specifics of the modern landscapes in terms of economic use, as well as human transformation of the original natural landscapes. The traces of land division in the form of linear structures that can be seen in satellite images allow researchers to reconstruct the way that agricultural landscapes were laid out in ancient times by extrapolating from the most significant components (land use and land use planning systems, population centers, transport routes etc.). The authors of this study used natural science methods to study the artifacts and territories of ancient agriculture in Crimea to try and reconstruct the way that land resources were used for agricultural purposes in ancient times and get a comprehensive idea about how ancient agriculture in Crimea was organized and what resources it relied upon. To achieve that, a comprehensive method was developed that included an assessment of the suitability of specific areas for agriculture, identification of surviving agricultural artifacts (land division boundaries (ramparts, ditches), roads, etc.) and a search for soil properties indicative of past agricultural activities. The results of studying the land management and new approaches to defining the boundaries of ancient land use are presented. For the first time, the relic signs of agricultural loads in the post-antique lands have been established. The significance of the results obtained can hardly be overstated when it comes to understanding the ancient agricultural practices and their impact on the existing agricultural landscapes since Crimea is unique in that the traces of ancient agriculture have been preserved here much better than in other parts of the world that used to be sites of ancient civilizations. Preserving the look and feel of ancient agricultural landscapes is a new task. As the authors have demonstrated, this task can be accomplished by integrating the findings of geographical and archeological studies with high tech methods (geo-modeling and automated decryption of remote Earth sensing data).

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Book SynopsisThis compilation highlights current knowledge on iodide mobility in a soil-plant system and provides a theoretical and experimental basis for a better understanding of the geochemical behaviour of iodine in soils, including its availability in the food chain. Following this, the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the uses of iodide salts by focusing on their applications in plants and microbiology, mechanisms of action and possible new uses in histology. The penultimate study contributes to a better understanding of Piauís vegetation through a floristic survey, phytosociological study and knowledge about the economic potential and geographic distribution of species from an area belonging to the municipality of Brasileira, north of Piauí, Brazil. Fifty five families, 126 genera and 141 species represented the flora. Biosphere reserves face the challenge of sustainable development. They have to foster economic development that is ecologically and culturally sustainable. Paradoxically, the demographic-economic-entrepreneurial nexus of biosphere reserves has not been researched, an omission addressed in the closing chapter by studying the towns of the Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve in South Africa.

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Book SynopsisThe rapid pace of industrialization and its resulting by-products have affected the environment by producing hazardous wastes, which have been released into the environment. Environmental pollution is a global menace, the magnitude of which is increasing day-by-day due to urbanization, heavy industrialization, and changing lifestyles. Nanostructures as functional building blocks are an ideal candidate for investigation into the dependence of structural, optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of the quantum confinement effect and morphology, which paves the way for novel nanotechnological applications. Both physical and chemical properties of nanostructures are associated with their size, shape, and dimensionality; therefore, morphology controlled synthesis of functional nanostructures gains importance from a scientific and technological perspective. Semiconductor nanomaterials at the nanoscale are gaining significant attention in the areas of energy conversion and storage, sensing, electronics, photonics, and biomedicine. In this book, we discuss semiconducting metal oxide nanostructures like TiO2, ZnO, conducting polymers and nanocomposites for their efficient detection of harmful and toxic chemicals, and nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation, with an emphasis on the applications of semiconducting materials for renewable energy. The book includes a brief literature survey, properties and the latest research advances in the development of various metal oxide nanostructures, and how nanocomposites and conducting polymer based nanomaterials are efficient for environmental remediation. The application of nanomaterials in the detection and removal of pathogens provides greater sensitivity, lower cost, shorter turn-around times, smaller sample sizes, in-line and real-time detection, as well as higher throughput and portability in environmental remediation. Furthermore, semiconductor photocatalysis for remediation has real potential for combating water pollution. This book provides a comprehensive look at the morphological, structural, crystalline, optical, electrical, and electrochemical properties of semiconducting metal oxides and their applications for environmental cleaning. The preparation and modification of semiconducting nanomaterials could be promising for the reliable and effective detection of harmful chemicals, and renewable energy.

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Book SynopsisEcosystem services provide benefits to humans, including-¯provisioning services (food, water, timber, fibre and genetic resources), regulating services (regulation of climate, floods, diseases and water quality), cultural services (recreational, aesthetic and spiritual), and support services (soil formation, pollination and nutrient cycling). Promoting the concept of ecosystem services reveals the potential of its contribution to environmental wellbeing for conservation and sustainability. Humans, as users of the provided services, benefit from ecosystem services, fostering dependency on nature. The use of ecosystem services may lead to unintended environmental consequences throughout the supply chain. Hence, this book will focus on the services provided for human wellbeing and a multilayer association with human problems worldwide when supply chains are disturbed. Carbon emissions from city areas are responsible for 75% of world carbon dioxide emissions, making them a significant contributor to climate change. Urban populations are early responders to the impacts of climate change. In addition, ecosystem services are influenced by human activities. Domestic and industrial water pollution has led to the contamination of drinking water in many parts of the world. Waste management, such as solid waste management and biomedical waste management, is considered crucial for balancing ecosystem services as a consequence of human activities. In addition, air pollution has become part of ecosystem service disturbance, as it has become a worldwide problem and a major threat to the surrounding environment and human health. The major sources of air pollutants are mobile sources and stationary and transboundary emissions. Human activities, such as mining and exploration, have brought naturally occurring radioactive elements, such as gamma rays, which are present at relatively low concentrations in many geologic formations and earth materials, to the surface and have become a threat to human health. Among others, loud noise exposure in occupational settings has been found to be hazardous to hearing organs. Environmental stressors that lead to ecosystem changes have been shown to trigger noncommunicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. The emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne diseases, such as Zika, Dengue and Malaria, are rapidly influenced by changes in ecosystem services. Many studies have been conducted to develop effective vaccines to combat such diseases. New drugs have been developed from natural resources with the aim of combating drug resistance, enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity. In addition, a health education programme (HEP) is also being developed to improve the quality of life of patients. A broad spectrum of research is reported in this book covering environmental monitoring, modelling, molecular research, natural product discovery and health education programmes, showing the importance of support from ecosystem services that must be preserved for future wellbeing.Table of ContentsPreface; Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Biomedical Waste Management among Laboratory Technologists of Selected Departments in the Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia; Knowledge, Awareness and Practice of Climate Change among Communities in Kuala Lumpur; Knowledge, Attitude and Practise of Zika Disease among Environmental and Occupational Health Students at Public Universities in Malaysia; Changes in Particulate Matter Concentrations Due to Vehicular Emissions and Their Influence on Urban Air Quality in Kelantan; Detection of Heavy Metals in Wastewater Discharge from Industrial, Agricultural and Domestic Household Areas Around Kota Bharu, Kelantan; Effect of Absorption of Terrestrial Gamma Radiation to the Body Organs in the Environment of Michika Area North-Eastern Nigeria; Effects of Active Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke Exposure at Home among Adults in the Rural Area of Kampung Beris Lalang, Bachok, Kelantan, Malaysia; A Preliminary Study of Depression, Anxiety, Stress and Its Factors among Firefighters in Malaysia; Composting Using Different Types of Organic Waste from Selected Cafeterias in Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus and Its Effect on Ipomoea Aquatica Growth; In Silico Modelling of the Core Catalytic Site of Chitin Deacetylase from Aspergillus luchuensis; Effect of pH on the Stability of Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG Expressing MSP-1C from Plasmodium falciparum; Index.

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Book SynopsisThere is increasing recognition of the numerous and important services that ecosystems provide to human populations, such as flood protection, water purification, and climate control. Protecting ecological systems and services is part of the EPA''s core mission. This book describes how the EPA can use an "expanded and integrated approach" to ecological valuation to encourage greater collaboration among a wide range of disciplines, including ecologists, economists at each step of the valuation process.

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Book SynopsisWetlands have already been recognised to hold the capacity for efficiently reducing or removing large amounts of pollutants from point sources (e.g. municipal and certain industrial effluents) as well as non-point sources (e.g. mining, agricultural and urban runoff) including organic matter, suspended solids, excess of nutrients, pathogens, metals and other micropollutants. This pollutant removal is accomplished by the interdependent action of several physical, chemical and biological processes which include sedimentation, filtration, chemical precipitation, sorption, biodegradation, and plants uptake among others. In this book, the authors present studies on the ecology, management and conservation of these valuable wetlands.

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Book SynopsisAs defined by the EPA, an environmental management system refers to a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. Accordingly, this book presents five chapters that introduce unique perspectives relating to the concept of environmental management. Chapter One describes the results of a large-scale study on the structure and governance of diverse ecosystem services of Bulgarian farms. Similarly, Chapter Two applies a holistic approach in the assessment of the competitiveness of agricultural holdings in Bulgaria as a whole, as well as in terms of their different specialization. Chapter Three includes information that enables the adequate identification of mine waste deposits, in order to evaluate the impact on human and ecological health, and to implement suitable alternatives for their environmental management. Chapter Four reviews the biomonitoring strategies employed to evaluate the negative environmental impact of mining waste, the remediation alternatives for mining-polluted sites, and environmental management approaches. Lastly, Chapter Five presents suggestions of actions for public managers and entrepreneurs of the solid waste sector with the perspective of process automation, waste destination, sustainability of the planet, and the reduction of waste production.Table of ContentsPreface; A Study on Structure and Governance of Ecosystem Services of Bulgarian Farms; Reexamining Competitiveness of Bulgarian Farms; Distribution and Composition of Metallic Mining Solid Wastes in the Central Mexico Region, and the Need for Adequate Environmental Management; Mining Waste Management Alternatives, Biological Monitoring and Bioremediation Strategies; Guidelines for Solid Waste Management: Overcoming Challenges and Exploit Opportunities; Index.

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Book SynopsisI believe that it is up to people like us to find the language, create the images and imagine the solutions that will allow us to break out of the vicious circle that threatens public health by threatening our landscapes and water sources . . . Together we can work toward this end. And, we can do it with humour. We can do it with style. And we can do it with grace. Try as we might, parts of North America may not escape the impacts of the global water crisis. The same kinds of water supply and quality issues that have appeared around our crowded planet are already beginning to present themselves here. Unfortunately, this is occurring at a time when, as a direct result of declining global food production, the world is beginning to rely more heavily than ever on agricultural communities in North America to help meet increasingly unattainable food-production goals. Instead of waiting for a water crisis of our own, North Americans may well wish to put the lessons learned elsewhere in the world into active practice. By using the example of others to put our own water-management house in order, North America can possibly avoid the same kinds of problems other countries are facing with respect to the protection of water resources. At the same time, we can employ enlightened attitudes toward the management of water resources to advance many of our own ecological and economic sustainability goals. Passionately conceived, clearly written and citing concrete examples from all over the world, Restoring the Flow is an approachable yet authoritative source, one of the many implements concerned citizens, government officials, businesspeople and policymakers can use and reuse in understanding and addressing this ever-growing global crisis.

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Book SynopsisFresh water is one of the essential natural resources on Earth, and groundwater constitutes 98% of the liquid fresh water on the planet. Yet, throughout the world, groundwater resources are being depleted, allocated, squandered, contaminated -- but rarely is their fundamental value to humankind thought about or understood! Groundwater for the 21st Century is an effort to increase the groundwater literacy -- from local to global scales, among laymen, students, and professionals -- of citizens of planet Earth. Groundwater for the 21st Century provides two very important perspectives on the resource -- (a) a thorough yet accessible introduction to basic groundwater science and (b) a current, concise but comprehensive overview of groundwater resources and their importance, uses, status, management, and prospects in today''s world. The book is well organised, substantive, clearly written in accessible language, and richly endowed with numerous illustrations and tables. An overview of the book is provided at www.mwpubco.com/titles/groundwater.htm -- and we especially invite readers to review the Author''s (a) Detailed Table of Contents and (b) Expanded Description, both of which are available at the link provided. Why is this Book Important? Groundwater for the 21st Century is the most comprehensive overview available combining groundwater science and groundwater use by humans, and it has been organised and written specifically for use by a wide range of readers of all ages, places, interests, and nationalities who might wish or need to be informed and literate about freshwater issues. The health, food, financial security, and habitability of homes and communities -- the lives -- of billions of human beings depends upon the availability of sufficient amounts of fresh water. This book provides much material with which to inform readers about the nature of water, its distribution, and its uses and abuses by humans. From this, readers will be better prepared to evaluate their own actions and those of their neighbours, communities, and the hierarchy of decision makers that lead, guide, influence, and otherwise shape the present and future world. Who is this book intended for? Groundwater for the 21st Century is intended for the working bookshelves of a very broad audience of readers. After all, groundwater is of often unrecognised but unquestionably absolute value to all of humankind. That broad audience includes (a) individual readers of diverse ages and backgrounds who will seek out this volume on their own to pro-actively inform themselves of freshwater resources and their importance; (b) those who teach, lead, and direct others with respect to informed natural resource management; and (c) those with more advanced knowledge of the subject who might wish to acquaint themselves with some of the broader aspects or relationships of their speciality.

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