Environmental science, engineering and technology Books

Book SynopsisThis book is a continuation of the book Environmental Researcher Biographical Sketches and Research Summaries which compiles biographical sketches of top professionals in the field of environmental research, as well as research summaries from a number of different focuses in this important field.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is a continuation of the book Environmental Researcher Biographical Sketches and Research Summaries which compiles biographical sketches of top professionals in the field of environmental research, as well as research summaries from a number of different focuses in this important field.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is a continuation of the book Environmental Researcher Biographical Sketches and Research Summaries which compiles biographical sketches of top professionals in the field of environmental research, as well as research summaries from a number of different focuses in this important field.

Read more less

Book SynopsisInteractions between competitors, predators and their prey have traditionally been seen as the foundation of community structure. Parasites - long ignored in community ecology and the care necessary bio-security are now recognised to play an important role in influencing species interactions and, consequently affecting the functioning of the ecosystem. Parasitism can interact with other ecological drivers, resulting in both adverse and beneficial effects on biodiversity and ecosystem health. Species interactions involving parasites are also keys to understanding many biological invasions and emerging infectious diseases. This book bridges the gap between ecology and epidemiology community to create a comprehensive examination of how parasites and pathogens affect all aspects of ecological communities, enabling a new generation of environmentalists to include parasites as a key element in their studies may be parasites human or animal, terrestrial or aquatic environments.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe chemical element mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at standard temperature and pressure. It is an extremely rare element in the Earth''s crust with an average abundance of only 80 parts per billion. However, where mercury ores do occur they can by very concentrated containing up to 2.5% mercury by mass. The use of these ores, and of mercury itself, by humans has a long history mercury was found in Egyptian tombs dating from 1500 BC. This book attempts to cover recent developments and the current state-of-the-art relating to many aspects of mercury science. The contributions made by the author teams encompass diverse fields of mercury science such as the monitoring of mercury in various environmental media and the management of mercury in the earth''s ecological system. Efforts have also been made to provide detailed insights into developments in novel chemistry involving mercury and its compounds. This book''s coverage is expanded further to cover the effect of mercury on animals and plants.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe health risks posed by indoor pollutants have concerned scientists for many years. Because people spend a high percentage of their time indoors, and concentrations of pollutants often are higher in indoor air than outdoor air, the risks due to exposure can be higher than many other environmental risks. Many indoor environmental quality problems might get worse if adaptations to climate change are made without better information and programs aimed at pollution prevention. This book describes common indoor pollutants, discusses federal statutes that have been used to address indoor pollution, and analyses key issues surrounding some general policy options for federal policy makers, with a focus on chemical contaminants.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis call to climate action examines ways we can leverage the growing power of smartphones and other technologies to become effective environmental stewards to protect threatened species, reduce the risk from climate change, and stop ocean plastic.Personal technologies are creating what the Environmental Defense Fund calls “a transformational shift” in how we address environmental problems. Time to Think Small explores how these brand-new approaches are already playing a huge role in winning some of the most difficult and important environmental struggles of our day–from fighting climate change, to ensuring drinkable water for everyone, to saving endangered animals, to keeping plastic out of the ocean.Learn how these technologies magnify and multiply the power everyone has as individuals to save our environment and how this tremendous power is not only growing, but also has the huge benefit of being independent of sudden shifts in political leadership.Drawing on two decades of environmental policy and a career working with endangered species mixed with his previous career in tech, Myers looks at the different ways we can be empowered to find environmental solutions."Time to Think Small reminds me of the first words spoken on the moon, about small steps and giant leaps. Todd Myers does, in fact, describe the giant strides from accumulated small steps that will help solve THE biggest long-term problem facing humanity today. If Big Government won’t act, WE CAN, in our own small ways!" --Donald Kroodsma, Author of Birdsong for the Curious Naturalist"The future of environmental stewardship depends on technology and innovation. Todd Myers is a national leader on environmental policy and technology and understands how to create solutions that sidestep political gridlock." --John Connors, former Microsoft CFO"A much-needed analysis of how we can solve complex global environmental problems by applying human ingenuity. . . and why every step matters along the way." --Benji Backer, President, American Conservation Coalition"Addressing climate change can be such a polarizing issue. Myers''s book has found a way to cut right through that with practical, applicable actions that everyone can take to make a difference." --Kevin Wilhelm, CEO, Sustainable Business Consulting"While the positions taken by Todd Myers may be disconcerting to an old-school environmentalist such as myself, his voice is one we need to hear in the conversation about climate change. Myers makes a compelling argument that thinking small stimulates creativity, and that nimble, creative approaches can play a crucial role in achieving sustainability." -- John S. Farnsworth, PhD, Author of Nature Beyond Solitude: Notes from the Field

Read more less

Book SynopsisRural development is still an important policy goal in most developing countries where a high proportion of the population lives and works in rural areas. This book provides in-depth empirical discussions of contemporary development issues of rural development in northern Ghana with wider applicability in terms of the processes, needs, strategies, and recommendations for policy for most of the savannah ecological zone of Africa. Although the rest of Ghana is developing much faster than northern Ghana, its people perceive substantial positive changes in their conditions of life as prosperity trickles, albeit slowly down and out to them. Environmental change and economic globalization is rendering ineffective the adaptive strategies of poor farmers in northern Ghana. This book is an important resource for students, researchers, policy makers and NGOs with interest in rural development, dry land areas, marginalized areas and general development. The descriptions and discussions of contemporary challenges of rural development issues using vivid case studies are of relevance for comparison to different and similar country situations.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present current research in the study of bioenergy systems and their biological sources and environmental impact. Topics discussed include the assessment of sustainability of bioenergy systems; soil loss as a forgotten aspect of biofuel production; effective biocatalysts for lignocellulosic biofuel by a proteomics study of fungal secretome; enhancing the interface between agricultural production, and tree biomass/bioenergy systems to improve farm-scale productivity in Western Australia; hydrogen and ethanol comparison as fuels for internal combustion engines; and hydrogen production by mixed cultures.

Read more less

Book SynopsisToday''s irrigation management faces challenges and competition with other sectors (ie: household, industry, and environmental), quality degradation, and uncertain climatic conditions. To cope with these situations, the irrigation managers need precise estimation/determination of irrigation needs for crops, advance/water-saving techniques for water application, water conservation approaches, economic considerations in irrigation, and potentials for using marginal quality water in irrigation (such as saline water, and waste-water). This book focuses on all of the above issues: starting with irrigation management strategies for field crops -- to suitability of saline and waste-water as irrigation water. The book is useful to identify the need and adopt emerging technologies for irrigation management, as well as to identify appropriate methodologies for social, economic, and environmental benefits of improved irrigation management.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book''s objective is to present a comprehensive, theoretical, practical, and adaptive approach to understanding the issues involved in eco-city planning and green community development. It builds on recent advances in urban theories, environmental science, architectural design, engineering, and geospatial information technologies to provide readers with the scientific foundation needed to understand the major visionary ideas about new urban forms. This book provides a basis of knowledge in planning theory and natural science and a major review of urban forms that have evolved over the past century; its primary emphasis is to describe and explain emerging approaches, methods, and techniques for eco-city. This book also responds to the key questions outlined at the beginning of this introduction: What are the theoretical foundations and historical views of eco-city and green community? What is a green and eco-friendly urban form? How can we find the appropriate approaches to build eco-city and green community? What international experiences and lessons can we learn from?

Read more less

Book SynopsisForest and woodland ecosystems in the world serve important ecological functions and also contribute to the economic, aesthetic and spiritual health of humans. In this book, the authors discuss the structure, species diversity and sustainable management of woodlands across the globe. Topics include changes in composition and threats to the sustainable management of woodlands in Portugal; the role and diversity of soil fauna in woodlands; climate change and forest fires in the Ave Region of Northwest Portugal; drivers of deforestation and the potential for carbon trading in the Miombo woodlands of Zambia; soil microbial diversity in the dry woodlands of Central-Western Argentina; and developing silvicultural systems based on disturbance-recovery knowledge of the Southern African Miombo woodlands.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research in a cross-section of fields focusing on the environment, including current research data on the depopulated rural landscapes in the north of Spain; the influence of environment on foliose lichen growth and its ecological significance; magnetic nanoparticles for environmental pollution management; helping agriculture through technology, energy efficiency and environmental protection; prioritizing competing needs in the management of the Waikato River; coexistence of conventional, organic and GM crops from a European Union governance approach; architecture and evolution of fault damage zones and their applications to fluid flow; land disturbances, vegetation invasions and implications for land degradation; palaoecology and palaeoenvironments; land-use changes and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes; and road transport in sub-Saharan Africa.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPollution from non-point sources such as runoff from farms or construction sites, remains the leading cause of impairment of the nation''s waters. Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act (CWA), each year the EPA provides grants to states to implement programs and fund projects that address non-point source pollution. The program received $165 million in fiscal year 2012. Section 319 includes minimum conditions that states must meet to receive grants. By regulation, the EPA''s ten regional offices oversee state programs and are to ensure that states'' projects can be feasibly implemented. This book examines the states'' experiences in funding projects that address non-point source pollution, with a focus on the EPA''s oversight of the Section 319 program to measure its effectiveness; and which key agricultural programs complement the EPA''s efforts to control such pollution.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn international team of leading scholars and young researchers in environmental psychology offers a relatively new perspective on the origin and solutions of the current environmental crisis. They explain how human nature has played a prominent role in the emergence of ecological problems such as global warming, threats to biodiversity, resources scarcity and pollution. But also, they demonstrate that such problems are interlinked with social problems such as poverty, famine, social and economical inequities and violence. According to this book''s authors, psychological theories and empirical evidence show that the solutions for those socio-ecological problems are to be found in human nature and its psychological predispositions. These include personal motives, world-visions, future perspective, environmental emotions, altruistic tendencies and behavioural capacities among other psychological predispositions that could allow the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. Meeting the ideals of sustainability requires the participation of the natural and social sciences, including psychology, in order to guarantee the fulfilment of its purposes. Behavioural sciences study the psychological characteristics and the contextual factors that lead people to adopt more sustainable lifestyles. In addition, these sciences investigate how sustainable behaviours promote happiness, psychological well being and restoration, which are considered among the aims of sustainable development by governments throughout the world. The authors, who are recognised experts in these areas, offer a state-of-the-art review and data on what it is known regarding the psychological dimensions of the environmental crisis, its behavioural solutions and the repercussions of sustainable behaviour on human well-being.

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this book, the authors present topical research in the study of the causes, economic implications and future challenges of eutrophication. Topics discussed include the performance of mechanical aeration systems in the control of eutrophication in stagnant waters; using cyanobacteria as a biosorbent for heavy metals in waste waters; a state-of-the-art review on eutrophication research in the context of climate warming; assessing Daphnia population dynamics and recovery patterns after exposure to multiple environmental stressors in a eutrophic lake; the environmental and health consequences of blue-green algae blooms; eutrophication and recovery of the large and deep subalpine Lake maggiore in Italy; causes and potential management strategies of current and future eutrophication of nearshore marine environments; promoting mechanisms of the rare earth industry on water eutrophication; the life-cycle eutrophic impact of future energy systems; and the study of particle size of the natural coagulant tanfloc SG to obtain drinking water by coagulation/flocculation.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAnaerobic digestion is used for industrial or domestic purposes to manage waste and/or to produce fuels. Anaerobic digestion are the group of processes by which micro-organisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the types, processes and environmental impact of anaerobic digestion. Topics include the development and application of anaerobic digestion to treat husbandry and industrial wastewater in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam; anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste; evaluation of decentralised anaerobic digestion systems for wastewater treatment, reuse and nutrient recycling to alleviate water and food stress; effects of substrate-to-inoculum ratio on anaerobic digestion of vegetable wastes; anaerobic digestion sustainability effects on plant-wide performance and automation in centralised wastewater treatment; and anaerobic co-digestion of cheese whey and the screened liquid fraction of dairy manure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFly ash is a by-product of the combustion of coal and other waste materials. In recent years, there has been intensive research on fly ash because of the increasing demand for the recycling of industrial by-products to improve sustainability in manufacturing and infrastructure. This book presents some of the latest developments in the generation, characterisation, utilisation and environmental impacts of fly ash. Recent developments on the methods of collection and analysis of fly ash, and novel applications such as in geopolymers and recovery of resources from fly ash are included. The book is intended for professionals in research and academics, and students interested in materials and sustainability. The book consists of 17 chapters contributed by 42 authors. Each chapter ends with an extensive list of references for further information. The topics on fly ash have been grouped into the following three parts: Part 1: various sources, methods of collection, factors influencing collection efficiency, flow and hydrodynamic behaviours, methods of characterisation, physical, chemical, leaching and radiation properties, and extraction of metals from fly ash; Part 2: different technological initiatives on utilisation, applications in the construction industry, use as a supplementary cementitious material, alkali-activated binder, polypropylene composite materials, and behaviour of fly ash geopolymer concrete; and Part 3: health and environmental issues such as the effects on lung and heart, bioleaching for detoxification, ash from incinerated wastes, and lifecycle assessment of civil structures using fly ash.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the geostationary weather satellites and polar weather satellites. Geostationary environmental satellites play a critical role in our nation''s weather forecasting. These satellite, which are managed by the Department of Commerce''s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provide information on atmospheric, oceanic, climatic, and solar conditions that help meteorologists observe and predict regional and local weather events. They also provide a means of identifying the large-scale evolution of severe storms, such as forecasting a hurricane''s path and intensity. The Editors of this book discuss the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) program, planned to be a state-of-the-art, environment-monitoring satellite system that would replace two existing polar-orbiting environmental satellite systems.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on the biomass energy potential and future prospects; landscape assessment as tool for protection and development of mining heritage; water management; multitemporal analysis of thermal field modification and its results in the landscape of the Itanheim River; sea level change as a forcing function of anchialine cave environments readjustment in the humid tropics of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean; under-utilised fruits of the Andes; ecophysiology of temperate fruit trees in the tropics; correlation between atmospheric CO2 and global climate; rainwater acidification with increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and its impact on calcium carbonate dissolution; sustainability of forest ecosystems and biotic regulation of carbon cycle; heavy metal pollution as a factor of soil acidification; and the impact of climate abnormalities in India on agriculture and farmers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is edited for the researchers and students who are interested in over-viewing and knowing the specific progress of tropical cyclone research. This book is devoted to either an up-to-date review or report of new research on the tropical cyclone, encompassing the problems of the genesis, development, climate control of tropical cyclone in terms of wide-ranging scales based on every types of method -- theoretical, modelling, and observational analysis. Not only comprehensive climate model but stand-alone theoretical and conceptual modelling researches will continue to play important role in illustrating the essential physics of tropical cyclone, and observational studies will support their specific features.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book compiles research summaries from a number of different focuses in the important field of environment and agriculture.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe National Strategy for the Arctic Region sets forth the United States Government''s strategic priorities for the Arctic region. This strategy is intended to position the United States to respond effectively to challenges and emerging opportunities arising from significant increases in Arctic activity due to the diminishment of sea ice and the emergence of a new Arctic environment. It defines U.S. national security interests in the Arctic region and identifies prioritised lines of effort, building upon existing initiatives by Federal, state, local, and tribal authorities, the private sector, and international partners, and aims to focus efforts where opportunities exist and action is needed. This book discusses the National Strategy for the Arctic Region in further detail; the Department of Defense Arctic strategy; and provides background and issues in the changes in the Arctic.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on improved gas and vapour detection using denuder technology; environmental protection from thermodynamic properties; solar and wind energy resources; salt-related processes in the leather industry; climate change impacts in the Philippines; ecological resilience; climate change and Australian rainforest; seawater desalination; biochemical gas sensors; desalination of brackish water; and time scales for aggregating climatic data.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of energy research studies from authors around the globe, including recent research in energy use and its environmental impact; energy use in industry, buildings development and the environment; recent developments and perspectives on biomass and biogas; energy efficiency for refrigeration and air conditioning; hydroelectric storage; halophytes energy feed stocks; and energy consumption and growth in Nigeria.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe primacy of crude oil as an energy source has provided a platform for social-economic development in most oil producing and consumer nations. Food, housing, transportation, investment services and inflationary trend is largely dependent on the volatility of crude oil prices. The anticipated shift in crude oil demand premised on the United States shale exploitation and the economic pandemonium generated in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has re-enacted crude oil pricing as the barometer for global economic trend. Crude oil exploitation, production, transportation and utilisation processes, however adversely impact on marine and coastal habitat. Pollution and infections attributable to toxic substances from crude oil and its derivatives can have long and short term health implications on animals and humans. Crude oil dependence is also contributory to global warming and its complications from climate change. This book examines the environmental and global market impact of crude oil production, analyses attempts to curb inherent challenges through energy efficiency and the development of renewable alternative energy sources.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGenetically engineered (GE) varieties with pest management traits became commercially available for major crops in 1996. Over 15 years later, adoption of these varieties by U.S. farmers is widespread and U.S. consumers eat many products derived from GE crops -- including cornmeal, oils, and sugars -- largely unaware that these products were derived from GE crops. Despite the rapid increase in the adoption of corn, soybean, and cotton GE varieties by U.S. farmers, questions persist regarding their economic and environmental impacts, the evolution of weed resistance, and consumer acceptance. This book examines issues related to three major stakeholders in agricultural biotechnology: GE seed suppliers and technology providers (biotech firms), farmers, and consumers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn 25 March 2014, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) jointly proposed a rule defining the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA). The proposal would revise regulations that have been in place for over 25 years. This book describes the proposed rule and includes a table comparing the existing regulatory language that defines "waters of the United States" with the proposal. In 2006, the Supreme Court decided Rapanos v. United States, the most recent and well-known of three Supreme Court decisions wrestling with the question of which wetlands are covered by the wetlands permitting program in the Clean Water Act. This book also provides background including the pre-Rapanos Supreme Court opinions, then moves on to Rapanos itself and the Corps/EPA guidance documents.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on lead adsorption into activated carbon; energy efficiency improvement utilizing high technology; clean and green energy technologies, sustainable development and environment; a review of published "environmental flows" research; the study of biodiversity corals community on coral reefs of Vietnam; microbial community in heavy metal bioremediation; and the relationship between climatic factors prevailing prior to flowering or subsequent to boll setting and cotton production.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFossil records indicate the Neotropical Dry Forests had a more continuous distribution in the recent geological past, especially in the late Pleistocene, more precisely at the end of the last glacial period. Seasonal Deciduous Forests are remnants of a broader continuous distribution that was present in the past, ranging from North-Eastern Brazil to Argentina in the Pleistocene dry period. This currently fragmented structure is the result of the dry, cold climate that caused the retraction of Wet Forests to riversides and the spread of seasonal forests. This book discusses the ecology, species diversity and sustainable management of dry forests. The topics include a biogeographical overview of the "lianescent clade" of violaceae in the Neotropical region; diversity and distribution of hymenoptera aculeate in mid-western Brazilian dry forests; the Brazilian "caatinga"; changes in the labile and recalcitrant organic matter fractions due to transformation of semi-deciduous dry tropical forest to pasture in the western llanos, Venezuela; ecology and management of the dry forests and savannas of the western Chaco region, Argentina; predicting pasture security in rangeland districts of Kenya using 1 km resolution spot vegetation sensor ndvi data.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOur country''s natural resource challenges today are more complex and more difficult to resolve than ever before. The loss of biodiversity, changing climatic patterns, spread of invasive species, alteration of landscapes, and many other problems pose serious threats to the long-term sustainability of America''s natural resources. We urgently need to find new ways to address these problems. In particular, we need new methods and technologies to deal with the scale of the human footprint on the landscape, and new approaches to address the impacts of that footprint. A major challenge is to account for, and ultimately improve, our understanding of the long-term consequences of our actions. In this book, the authors use case studies to show how adaptive management can be used for both management and learning. The book focuses on practical applications in the areas of importance to Department of Interior managers climate change, water, energy, and human impacts on the landscape. Adaptive management is presented as a form of structured decision making, with an emphasis on the value of reducing uncertainty over time in order to improve management. The first half of the book covers the foundations and challenges of adaptive management, and the second half documents examples that illustrate the components of adaptive management.

Read more less

Book SynopsisConcerns for fuel economy and reduced emissions have turned the attention of automotive internal combustion engine manufacturers to the exhaust system and towards technological system development to account for the significant levels of potential energy that can be recovered. The present volume on "Automotive Exhaust Emissions and Energy Recovery" for both gasoline and diesel engines is therefore both timely and appropriate. Whereas diesel engines have been predominantly turbocharged, only a relatively small percentage of gasoline engines are similarly equipped, which has led to significant efforts by engine manufacturers in recent years to downsize and down-speed these engines. On the other hand, the relative focus in diesel engine development in terms of emissions and exhaust energy recovery has shifted toward devices other than the turbocharger for enhanced energy recovery and emissions control technologies in order to allow the diesel engines of the future to keep up with the dual-demand for very low emissions and increasing levels of fuel economy. The book focuses on the exhaust system and the technologies and methods used to reduce emissions and increase fuel economy by capitalising on the exhaust gas energy availability (either in the form of gas kinetic energy or as waste heat extracted from the exhaust gas). It is projected that in the short to medium term, advances in exhaust emissions and energy recovery technologies will lead the way in internal combustion engine development and pave the way towards increasing levels of engine hybridisation until fully electric vehicle technology can claim a level of maturity and corresponding market shares to turn the bulk of this focus away from the internal combustion engine. This book is aimed at engine research professionals in the industry and academia, but also towards students of powertrain engineering. The collection of articles in this book reviews the fundamentals of relevance, recent exhaust system technologies, details recent or on-going projects and uncovers future research directions and potentials.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPetroleum perhaps is one of the most important substances in the modern society due to its wide use in the most diverse productive sectors. Besides serving as raw material to the production of plastics and other compounds, it is the fuel source used in the production of electric energy, in industries and in different transport sectors. However, the ecosystems located in areas of extractions, processing and distribution of petroleum end up being highly susceptible to the direct and indirect impacts of these activities, as well as those located in their transport route. As the large extraction fields are located in coastal areas, these environments are, generally, the most affected, although other ecosystems also suffer influence of petroleum activities. Oil spills and leakages provoke immediate effects into the environment, easily viewed by the generalized mortality of animals and consequent ecosystems losses, but also provoke more persistent effects, such as alteration of the animals behaviour and permanence of compounds derived from petroleum in the food webs. Accidents with petroleum are unpredictable and the resources needed to minimize their impacts, often, are not liable to an immediate application. This book discusses different prevention methods as well as environmental and ecological impacts oil spills have.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book is a compilation of research on oil spills in ice-covered Arctic waters and recommendations for future work. Research entities in governmental, nongovernmental, industrial, and private organizations are identified. An introduction to the topic is provided. In this book, the U.S. Arctic Research Commission (USARC) recommended to the federal government an invigorated oil spill research effort in the Arctic and a funding strategy that did not require new fiscal appropriation. Considering the potential for increased energy exploration and production in deeper, offshore waters, as well as an anticipated escalation in shipping in a rapidly evolving marine environment, the risks of oil spills remain a real and growing challenge. In developing these recommendations, USARC worked closely with the federal Interagency Coordinating Committee on Oil Pollution Research (ICCOPR), stakeholders, and the public.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book presents a comprehensive review of energy research studies from authors around the globe, including strategic interactions during oil exploration in the gulf of Mexico; ownership and regional economic impact; wind energy assessment and analysis; principle of low energy building design; conventional energy use, environment and sustainable development; drinking water from solar stills; and solar energy research, sustainable development and applications.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPesticides used to control weeds, unwanted insects, and fungi contribute to agricultural productivity and public health by preventing crop damage and controlling pests. However, pesticides may also have adverse effects. EPA''s OPP reviews applications for pesticide products and registers those that it determines do not have unreasonable adverse effects on health and the environment. This book examines the extent to which EPA inspects for GLP compliance laboratories that test pesticides and the challenges EPA faces in doing so; uses the information obtained through GLP inspections in its pesticide decision-making process; and collaborates with FDA on GLP inspections.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed regulations to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from existing power plants. EPA believes that its proposed Clean Power Plan (CPP) will "protect public health, move the United States towards a cleaner environment, and fight climate change while supplying Americans with reliable and affordable power." Burning fossil fuels to produce electricity results in the release of carbon dioxide, and represents the largest source of GHG emissions in the United States. This book discusses the implications for the electric power sector. It also examines the carbon dioxide emission rate goals in EPA''s proposed rule for existing power plants; and discusses the Congressional responses and options to the EPA regulation of greenhouse gases.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on solar energy for buildings; sustainable development and environmentally friendly energy systems in Sudan; landscape matrix fragmentation effect on virgin forest and managed forest birds; the challenges of reaching sustainable future cutting cycles; photocatalytic application of TiO2 nanotube arrays for water treatment; ecologo-geographical lower zoning of boreal forest territories; remediation technologies for phosphate removal from wastewater; plant density, plant growth retardants and cotton yield and its fibre properties; activated carbon for dyes adsorption in aqueous solution; and silver nanoparticles as a biocide for water treatment applications.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe aim of this book is to assist environmental authorities and technicians in the design of effective environmental monitoring programs. Consensus exists that any good management program must be able to distinguish between natural variability and changes induced by anthropogenic activities. To achieve this goal, it is necessary to implement continuous monitoring programs. Sampling design is critical for the success of these programs due to the high spatio-temporal variability of coastal ecosystems. No potential sources of pollution should be neglected in sampling design, such as submarine groundwater discharge (SGD), which has been recognised as an important link between the continent and the ocean. Additionally, sampling design should avoid Type II decision errors (false negatives), which means a problem is not found when in fact it does exist. Being able to detect undesired effects is indispensable to adopt preventive and corrective measures. It is essential that these programs change their primarily anthropocentric focus to an ecocentric focus. The need to cover large spatial regions periodically makes necessary the development and application of new technologies such as remote sensing data into monitoring programs. The development of environmental "diagnostic" tools to allow early warning detection of pollution exposure, such as biomarker measurements in bioindicator organisms, are also valuable tools for environmental monitoring, which are examined in this book.

Read more less

Book SynopsisHeavy metals, algae, and microbial activities in marine systems are the main targets of this book. The book is divided into 8 sections and covers heavy metal assessment, bio-monitoring of organic pollutants, pollutant removal, biota, biological activity, algae, energy, and global systems and greenhouse environments.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffshore wind has been envisaged as making a critical contribution in Europe in satisfying the electricity demand in a low-carbon generation scenario. In fact, offshore environment provides a windier and steadier source compared to onshore wind energy. Offshore wind turbine rotors and generators create value by "farming" the wind, converting its energy into electricity. Costly infrastructure -- the very high towers, deep seabed foundations, buried high voltage insulated cables, on-platform transformers and complete subsea transmission grid -- and expensive at-sea maintenance are required because this electricity is not where it is needed. This book discusses offshore wind technologies and examines the ecological risks and prospects of offshore wind.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOver the past few years, the occurrence of pharmaceutical residues in the environment has attracted great interest regarding the possible harmful effects of many of these pollutants to living organisms. One of the main sources of pharmaceuticals in the environment is the discharge of effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), where their removal is often incomplete. Natural wastewater treatment systems such as constructed wetlands constitute a relevant option to conventional methods due to their efficiency, low establishment costs and reduced operation and management requirements. This book discusses processes involved with wastewater treatment as well as management strategies and their impact on the environment.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis series covers leading-edge research focusing on the environment, including current research data on sustainable agricultural development and the environment: new perspectives and policy proposals; impacts assessment of success stories in natural resources management in Togo; cultural predictors of perceived environmental responsibility and sustainable behavior; degraded karst relief; erosion dynamics in lateritic santiniketan badland, west Bengal, India; study of oil recovery in naturally fractured reservoirs considering impact of parameters included in performance of spontaneous imbibition mechanism; prevalence of vibrio parahaemolyticus in Chile and potential use of antagonistic bacterial strains for its control in aquaculture; the environmental perception amongst the inhabitants of Taperoá, an urban area in the state of Paraiba; ecosystem''s role in empowering communities to face global environmental change: community-based ecological mangrove restoration in Thailand; bowalisation; and evaluation of comfort in indoor spaces.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book provides selected authorship on anthropogenic impacts caused by arsenic, lead, chromium and other pollutants and contaminants emanating from identified activities (e.g. tanning industry, effect of irrigation water and exposure to living tissue). The basis of the study is to improve on the knowledge and spread awareness to the general public. In this book, identified impacts associated with arsenic, chromium, lead, salinity induced processes, effluents and selected synthetic tannins provide a preview of how identified anthropogenic activities can degrade and affect terrestrial, aquatic and human health. In light of this, the individual chapters pursue (to some extent) an experimental and descriptive approach in explaining these aspects. All the contributors of these chapters are specialists in their areas of specialization with very strong research backgrounds. Thus, the book has a formidable basis of communicating the science that is relevant for agronomical activities when evaluating the effluent generation from anthropogenic view, its disposal, potential impacts towards irrigation related to specific geographical areas and the human occupational risks involved overall. It is, therefore, apparent that identifying the denudating aspects of the ecosystems is a paramount step towards building appropriate diagnostic, preventive and curative capabilities in managing the environmental sustainably.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book includes research from selected international authors and institutions that consider land use management to be an important aspect in the context of climate change and development. Our team of editors and authors hope to add a valuable contribution to the literature to address global climate change in relation to agricultural-forestry ecosystems and development in vulnerable locations. Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry book chapters include a wide variety of topics on changes in land use practices, carbon sequestration, forest degradation, as well as polices that affect land use and development. It also includes a description of the current state of land use, land-use change and forestry in South Asian countries (Chapter 1); an evaluation of biodiversity and peoples'' willingness to pay (Chapter 2); modelling of carbon sequestration in forests (Chapter 3); trade-off analysis in economic and environmental objectives (Chapter 4); use of radar imagery in detecting forest degradation (Chapter 5); assessment of carbon sequestration in woodlots (Chapter 6); solutions for improved survival of ruminants in arid and semi-arid environments and associated carbon sequestration (Chapter 7); policy interventions for land use changes (Chapter 8); accomplishing land use change from subsistence to commercial farming in Mozambique (Chapter 9); and an international and multi-sectoral approach for partnering to achieve positive agricultural developmental land use change (Chapter 10). Our team of editors, reviewers, and authors are honored to be part of this project; truly an example of international cooperation and articulation within the climate change community. The chapters and authors of Land Use, Land-Use and Forestry were carefully selected through a rigorous peer review process considering publication records, relevant and high quality contributions to this topic, and priming international cooperation. For this book and its contents, the intended audience includes the international climate change community including: contributors to the UNFCCC-IPCC process, policymakers, consultants, project developers, researchers and their institutions. Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry aims to be a valuable addition to multidisciplinary and international cooperation efforts (policies, cultural practices, new technologies, and adaptation measures), to development of land use policies, governmental and nongovernmental agencies worldwide and the general public. The editors of Land Use, Land-Use Change and Forestry believe the book is an effective tool to help the international community progress in understanding and management of land use changes in addressing climate change through international collaboration and cooperation.

Read more less