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.