Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology / Edition 4

by Andrew Porteous

Overview

Dictionary of ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY

Dictionary of ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY FOURTH EDITION

This superb and highly-acclaimed dictionary includes over 4000 in-depth entries on scientific and technical terminology, associated with environmental protection and resource management. In addition, it contains numerous illustrations, a wide range of international case studies and extensive cross-references to guide the reader. The fourth edition represents a major update with 30% new material, additional illustrations and a greatly expanded list of relevant web resources.

Reviews of previous editions:

This is a veritable Whitakers’ Almanac of useful information on all aspects of science and the natural environment, and its author needs little introduction. It is as useful for dipping into — being crammed with fascinating facts — as it is for checking definitions. Essential for layman and specialist alike.

…Porteous’ book will contribute to better understanding and protection of the world’s environment…

This dictionary is highly recommended as a valuable reference for both students and professionals working in environmental science and technology.

…a formidable rival of many much more expensive and heavier volumes. Porteous succeeds to precisely describe the chosen terms without compromise to readability. Cross-references nicely bring together additional or related information. The reader is often captured by the well-written text and is kept reading far beyond the sought-after term.
Environmental Geology

Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology, Fourth Edition will be an indispensable reference for all students and professionals concerned with world’s environment.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470061954
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	12/03/2008
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	832
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.80(d)

About the Author

Andrew Porteous, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Engineering The Open University, UK

Table of Contents

Preface to Fourth Edition ix

Preface to Third Edition xi

Preface to Second Edition xiii

Preface xv

Introduction xvii

Acknowledgements xix

Abbreviations xxiii

The Dictionary 1

Appendix I Pollution and the environment-organizations 779

Appendix II The Periodic Table 791

Table of Chemical Elements 792

Appendix III Table of prefixes for SI units 795

Appendix IV Conversion table for SI and British units 796

Editorial Reviews

Four thousand entries with cross-referencing and occasional illustrations contribute to literacy in ecology, that science at the intersections not only of plants, animals, and elements, but at the crossroads of cultural pursuits such as chemistry, economics, engineering, politics, and sociology. While this dictionary makes a respectable attempt to cover all this ground, the reference work is best suited for the scientist, for the simple reason that technical information abounds. For example, in the long definition for there is this: "1988 figures for dioxin emissions from Swedish incineration plants (measured as TCDD equivalents) showed 0.5-2 ng/m3 of dry flue gas," such a quote being more the norm than the exception. The volume comes from a British perspective as can be seen in the appendix of environmental organizations, the majority in the UK, and such definitions as that of (HMIP), the British version of EPA (not included). Porteous is Professor of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology at the Open University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

"It is forecast to continue as an indispensable reference." (Pollution, September 2000)

"...is the literary equivalent of a brain transplant." (Environment Business, November 2000)

"I shall certainly add it to the reference books I have on my desk ..." (Ecotoxicology, 2001)

"this is a good buy." (The Holocene, Vol 11/3, 2001)

"The items are easy and pleasant to read" (International Jnl of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, Vol.80 No.298, 2001)

"extremely useful and excellent value for money" (Int. Jnl. of Environmental Studies, Vol.58, 2001)

"...Porteous' book will contribute to better understanding and protection of world's environment..." (Photosynthetica, Vol.40, No.2, 2002)

From the Publisher