Main description:

Everyone can benefit from having some understanding of environmental science and the chemistry underlying issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, energy sources, air pollution, water pollution, and waste disposal. Environmental Chemistry in Society, Second Edition presents environmental science to the non-science student, specifically focusing on environmental chemistry, yet requiring no background in chemistry. This book is a self-contained text, offering all the information necessary for readers to understand the topics discussed. It provides a foundation in science, chemistry, and toxicology, including the laws of thermodynamics, chemical bonding, and environmental toxins.

This information then allows readers to delve into environmental topics, such as energy in society, air quality, global atmospheric concerns, water quality, and solid waste management. The arrangement of the book allows instructors flexibility in how they present the material, with the crucial topics being covered first. This second edition had been updated throughout and contains the following revisions:

Addition of a glossary of important terms
Extensive revision of the discussion questions at the end of each chapter to require more critical thinking skills
Updates to the environmental data
The division of the foundational chapter on chemistry into two chapters, so each one is more palatable
Coverage of fracking, the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and the 2010 Gulf oil spill

The book provides a qualitative approach, presenting the chemistry of the environment in such a way that students who have little or no science background can gain understanding and appreciation of this important subject.

Contents:

Background to the Environmental Problem
Preagricultural Development
Horticulture and Agriculture
Development of Towns and Cities
Industrial Revolution, Phase I (Approximately 1760-1860)
Industrial Revolution, Phase II (Approximately 1860-1950)
Science and the Scientific Method
Science and Technology
Science and the Environment
Environment and Public Policy

The Natural Laws
Matter
Early Development of Chemistry
Lavoisier and the Law of Conservation of Matter
Disorder
Work and Energy
First Law of Thermodynamics
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Matter, Energy, and the Environment

Underlying Principles of Chemistry
Atomic Theory
Periodic Law
Mole
Symbols, Formulas, and Equations
Chemical Bonding

Types of Chemical Compounds and Their Reactions
Acids and Bases
Precipitation Reactions
Oxidation-Reduction
Organic Chemistry
Nuclear Chemistry

Element Cycles
Compartments
Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Hydrogen Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
Sulfur Cycle
Other Cycles

Toxicology
History of Toxicology
Environmental Toxicology
Toxicity Measurements
Routes of Exposure
Classification of Toxins
Respiratory Toxins
Rates of Chemical Reactions, Catalysis, and Enzymes
General Metabolic Toxins
Neurotoxins
Endocrine Toxins
Allergens
Carcinogens
Mutagens
Teratogens
Environmental Degradation of Toxins
Environmental Movement of Toxins

Energy and Modern Society
Energy Sources
Electricity
Widely Used Energy Sources
Nuclear Power
Biomass
Emerging Energy Sources
Hydrogen as Fuel
Energy Conservation

Weather and Climate
Atmosphere: Composition, Structure, and Dynamics
Water Cycle
Weather
Climate

Air Pollution
Classical Air Pollution
Industrial Smog
Photochemical Smog
Regionalization of Air Pollution
Air Pollution and the Law
Pollution Reduction

Air Inside
Some Background on Indoor Air Quality
Classification of Indoor Air Contaminants
Remedies for Indoor Air Contamination

Global Atmospheric Change
Gases as Insulators: Greenhouse Effect
Global Warming: Concept
Is Global Warming Important?
Global Warming: Effects
International Agreements on Global Warming
Chemistry of the Stratosphere: Ozone Layer
Importance of Ozone Layer
Ozone Depletion and Chlorofluorocarbons
National and International Response to Ozone Depletion

Water
Physical Properties of Water
Water and Life
Locations of Water
Types of Water Use
Freshwater Shortages
Problems from Overuse of Groundwater
Water Shortage Solutions

Water Pollution
Nature and Sources of Water Pollution
Types of Water Pollutants
Pollution of Surface Water
Pollution of the Oceans
Pollution of Groundwater
Water Pollution Control

Solid Wastes
Sources of Solid Wastes
Composition of Domestic Solid Waste
Solid Waste Disposition

Hazardous Wastes
What Are Hazardous Wastes?
Where Do Hazardous Wastes Come From?
Historical and Traditional Approaches to Hazardous Waste Disposal
Current Practices in Hazardous Waste Management
Special Considerations for Radioactive Wastes

Glossary
Index