Part 1
Ecological Systems
Systems and Ecosystems
The Concept of System
Concept and Use of Models
System State and Stability
The Ecosystem as a System
Mathematical Models of Ecosystems
Organisms and Environmental Factors
Categories of Organisms
Chemical Composition of the Cell
Metabolism—Enzymes
Storage of Energy
Photosynthesis—Respiration—Chemosynthesis
Limiting Nutrient
Interaction of Organisms and Environment
Organisation at Population Level
Population and Ecosystem
Population Dynamics
Population Size Variation Models
Interactions between Two Populations
Natural Selection and Evolution
Survival Strategies of Populations
The Human Population
Organisation at the Ecosystem Level
Energy Flow in the Ecosystem
Limiting Factors in Various Environments
Biogeochemical Cycles
Ecosystems’ Change in Time
Functions of Aquatic Ecosystems
Part 2
Fundamentals of Environmental Problems
Values, Alterations and Degradation of the Natural Landscape
Man’s Historical Influence on the Biosphere
Terrestrial Ecosystems
Aquatic Environment
Coastal Zones
Biodiversity and Landscape
The Environment in the City
The Urban Environment
The City and Urban Activities
Cities in the Developing World
Cities in Industrial Countries
Noise Pollution
Pollution from Urban Solid Waste
Indoor Pollution
Green and Open Spaces
Toxic Pollution
Toxic Pollutants, Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Toxic Synthetic Organic Compounds
Toxic Pollution from Metals and Inorganic Substances
Radioactivity
Water Pollution
Sources and Impacts of Water Pollution
Organic Matter—Oxygen Depletion
Phosphorus and Nitrogen—Eutrophication
Pathogenic Microorganisms—Contamination
Toxic Water Pollutants
Oil
Thermal Pollution
Air Pollution and Global Change
Sources and Local Implications of Air Pollutants
Acid Rain
Depletion of Stratospheric Ozone
The Greenhouse Effect
Part 3
Management of Environmental Problems
Pollution Control Technology
Dealing with Water Pollution
Dealing with Atmospheric Pollution
Urban Solid Waste Management
Tools for Environmental Analysis, Evaluation and Management
Environmental Management
Definition and Assessment of Impacts on the Environment
Environmental Indices and Indicators
Life Cycle Analysis
Environmental Audits
Eco-Labels
Environmental Certification
Geographic Information System
Environmental Impact Assessment
Information Access and Participation in Decision Making
Biodiversity and Landscape Protection
Multiple Dimensions of Nature Protection
Protection of Biodiversity
and the Landscape as a Social Issue
Methods of Biodiversity Conservation
Environment and Development
Impacts of Technology
The ‘Development versus Environment’ Dilemma
Sustainable Development
Ecological Approaches of Development
Future Prospects
Selected Bibliography
Appendix
Biography
Kimon Hadjibiros is a physicist specialising in ecology and a Professor in the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens. He has more than twenty five years' experience of teaching ecology for engineers, environmental management and policy.
"A comprehensive book, useful for students, engineers and citizens; it explains basic environmental functions, problems and mitigation tools."
––Roger Frank, Professor, Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris"An interesting and for the most part, very readable book. Recommended."
—Noise Control Engineering Journal, January-February 2014
"This comprehensive title will be useful for students and engineers but also for the wider public interested in environmental issues, because special emphasis is given to the examination of fundamental concepts that will contribute to the understanding and interpretation of ecological phenomena."
—International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry
