A complete introduction to environmental chemistry, this book provides insight into the operation of the chemical processes near the Earth's surface. The four-part format groups together related environmental topics and introduces theoretical concepts. Part One brings together many essential basic geological, geochemical, and chemical ideas, and emphasizes the importance of oxygen to the chemistry of reactions near the Earth's surface. Parts Two and Three discuss systems depending on these reaction types, and Part Four examines the effects of human activities on elements that usually cycle naturally in small quantities. Also in this part, the perturbation of natural cycles by agricultural, industrial, and social developments is highlighted in terms of the consequent problems of environmental management.
History of the Earth
Oxygen
MAJOR ELEMENTS FOUND IN LIVING MATTER
Hydrogen
Carbon
Nitrogen
Sulfur
Phosphorus
MAJOR ELEMENTS IN THE EARTH'S CRUST
Silicon
Iron
Aluminium
Calcium and Magnesium
Sodium and Potassium
MINOR ELEMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
Lead
Mercury
Zinc and Cadmium
Uranium
Radon
Hazardous Organic Compounds
Appendix
Glossary
Index
Biography
O'Neill, Peter