1st Edition

The Water Crisis Constructing solutions to freshwater pollution

By Julie Stauffer Copyright 1998
    180 Pages
    by Routledge

    180 Pages
    by Routledge

    Modern society too often views water as a convenient vehicle for disposing of waste � and the results are becoming increasingly apparent. Analysis of freshwater supplies frequently reveals disturbing levels of pollution, including human waste, heavy metals and synthetic chemicals, to the detriment of our health, and the health of entire ecosystems. The Water Crisis examines the roots of freshwater pollution � urbanization, industrialization and intensive farming � supported by case studies from the Rhine and the Great Lakes. It explores the impact of major pollutants and discusses methods of prevention. The final section provides a detailed overview of possible solutions, including soil-based treatment systems and constructed wetlands. A separate chapter is devoted to the important issue of groundwater pollution. Practical concise and accessible, this is ideal for students in environmental studies and environmental science, biology and geography, and general readers. Originally published in 1998

    List of Tables List of Boxes List of Figures Introduction Chapter 1: Urbanization: Sewage and Storm-water The Water Carriage Revolution Urban Runoff Chapter 2: Industrialization: Chemical Contaminants Suspended Solids Organic Material Heavy Metals Synthetic Chemicals Acidic Wastes Chapter 3: Intensive Farming: Fertilizers and Pesticides History of Modern Farming Nutrients Pesticides Animal Wastes Soil Erosion Chapter 4: Case-Studies: The Rhine and the Great Lakes Introduction History Current Levels of Pollution Legislation The Future Chapter 5: Prevention Urbanization Industrialization Agriculture Chapter 6: Legislation and Economic Policies Legislation Economic Approaches Public Pressure Watershed Management Chapter 7: Introduction to Ecological Technologies Characteristics of Natural Systems Fundamental Mechanisms of Natural Systems Chapter 8: Soil-based Systems Rationale for Soil-based Treatment Slow-rate Treatment Rapid Infiltration Systems Overland Flow Systems Performance Land Application of Sludge Chapter 9: Aquatic Plant Treatment Systems Constructed Wetlands Waste Stabilization Ponds Floating Aquatic Plant Systems Combined Systems Living Machines Chapter 10: Coda: Rethinking Water Carriage Grey-water Systems Chapter 11: Ground-water: The Special Issues Sources of Pollution Ground-water Treatment Chapter 12: Conclusions: Directions for the Future List of Terms Bibliography Index

    Biography

    Julie Stauffer