Isotopic Tracers in Biology: An Introduction to Tracer Methodology, Third Edition focuses on stable isotopes, structures, composition, and reactions of nitrogen and oxygen, and radioactive tracers. The book first takes a look at atomic nuclei, radioactivity, and the production of radioactive isotopes and radiation characteristics of tracer atoms. Topics include nuclear reactions, general properties of nuclei, radioactivity, target techniques and radiochemistry, and beta and gamma radiations. The text also discusses isotopic assay, radiation hazards, procedures related with sample preparation for radioactive assay, and combustion of labeled materials. The manuscript examines the biochemical, physiological, and medical aspects of tracer methodology, as well as biochemical applications, value of tracer methods for biology, intermediary metabolism, and applications to clinical research. The text also ponders on the isotopes of hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. Concerns include assay of deuterium and tritium, short-lived and heavy stable carbon, and oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus isotopes. The publication is a dependable reference for readers interested in isotopic tracers.

This book represents a new "earth systems" approach to catchments that encompasses the physical and biogeochemical interactions that control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of the system. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of catchment hydrology, principles of isotope geochemistry, and the isotope variability in the hydrologic cycle -- but the main focus of the book is on case studies in isotope hydrology and isotope geochemistry that explore the applications of isotope techniques for investigating modern environmental problems. Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology is the first synthesis of physical hydrology and isotope geochemistry with catchment focus, and is a valuable reference for professionals and students alike in the fields of hydrology, hydrochemistry, and environmental science. This important interdisciplinary text provides extensive guidelines for the application of isotope techniques for all investigatores facing the challenge of protecting precious water, soil, and ecological resources from the ever-increasing problems associated with population growth and environmental change, including those from urban development and agricultural land uses.

This book is a printed edition of the Special Issue "Environmental Tracers" that was published in Water