An updated edition of the classic work on the inorganic chemistry of soils. * With its companion volume, Humus Chemistry, forms a complete, advanced-level treatment of both organic and inorganic aspects of soil chemistry. * Revised to keep pace with the latest developments in the field. * Provides more in-depth treatment of all topics.

Fundamental Aspects of Pollution Control and Environmental Science 1: Trace-Element Contamination of the Environment investigates the global biological consequences of dispersal of trace elements that are mined from localized limited deposits in the environment. It considers the problem of trace-element contamination of the biosphere as an environmental pollution and as part of the ecological crisis as a whole. Comprised of eight chapters, this volume begins with an overview of trace-element contaminants, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. It then discusses factors affecting the trace-element composition of soils, including sulfur, lime, and fertilizers. It explains as well the trace-element contamination of the atmosphere and hydrosphere, the sources of trace-element contamination of soils, and the availability of trace elements in the soil. The consequences of trace-element contamination of the soil, including its effects on crops and animals, are also discussed. The book also provides ways to prevent dispersal of metals in the environment. This book will be an essential reading for undergraduates, law students, and those who are interested about environmental pollution caused by trace elements.

Soil is formed from the physical and chemical weathering of rocks-processes described historically because they involve eons of time-by glaciation, and by wind and water transport of soil materials, later deposited in deltas and loessial planes. Soil undergoes further transformations over time and provides a habitat for biological life and a base for the development of civilizations. Soil is dynamic - always changing as a result of the forces of nature and particularly by the influences of man. Soils have been studied as long as history has been documented. W. H. Gardner told of writings on clay tablets, dating about 1700 Be, in his review, "Early Soil Physics into the Mid-20th Century;' published in Volume 4 of this series. Those writings gave specific instructions on cultivating the soil and seeding crops. Numerous references to soil are found in historical writings, such as Aristotle (384-322 Be), Theophrastus (372-286 Be), Cato the Elder (234-149 Be), and Varro (116-27 Be). Some of the earliest historical refer ences to soil 3000 or more years ago have to do with erosional forces of wind and water. The study of soils today has taken on increased importance because a rapidly expanding population is placing demands on soil that has never before been experienced. Soil scientists have professionally divided themselves into separate disciplines-physics, chemistry, microbiology, mineralogy, genesis, and the like. Studies range from very basic to very applied, and to literally every corner of the earth, and ofthe moon as well.

In these books, we bring together and correlate recent information known to have a prominent influence on the rate of movement of pollutants from wastes and their leachates in the soil. The emphasis is on those characteristics most amenable to modification and their management, such that secure and rational choices of disposal can be made. Identification of limits of the state of the art are carefully defined. This book presents five distinct but related subject matter sections. The first topic relates to soil as a natural system to prepare the reader with a basic knowledge of soil properties as they must become involved in waste management at the disposal facility. The soil, its depth-profile, and certain characteristics are identified and described.