Written by renowned experts in the field, Sampling Strategies for Natural Resources and the Environment covers the sampling techniques used in ecology, forestry, environmental science, and natural resources. The book presents methods to estimate aggregate characteristics on a per unit area basis as well as on an elemental basis. In addition to common sampling designs such as simple random sampling and list sampling, the authors explore more specialized designs for sampling vegetation, including randomized branch sampling and 3P sampling. One of the book's unique features is the emphasis on areal sampling designs, including plot/quadrat sampling, Bitterlich sampling, line intersect sampling, and several lesser known designs. The book also provides comprehensive solutions to the problem of edge effect. Another distinguishing aspect is the inclusion of sampling designs for continuums, focusing on the methods of Monte Carlo integration. By presenting a conceptual understanding of each sampling design and estimation procedure as well as mathematical derivations and proofs in the chapter appendices, this text promotes a deep understanding of the underpinnings of sampling theory, estimation, and inference. Moreover, it will help you reliably sample natural populations and continuums.

The three parts of this book on survey methodology combine an introduction to basic sampling theory, engaging presentation of topics that reflect current research trends, and informed discussion of the problems commonly encountered in survey practice. These related aspects of survey methodology rarely appear together under a single connected roof, making this book a unique combination of materials for teaching, research and practice in survey sampling. Basic knowledge of probability theory and statistical inference is assumed, but no prior exposure to survey sampling is required. The first part focuses on the design-based approach to finite population sampling. It contains a rigorous coverage of basic sampling designs, related estimation theory, model-based prediction approach, and model-assisted estimation methods. The second part stems from original research conducted by the authors as well as important methodological advances in the field during the past three decades. Topics include calibration weighting methods, regression analysis and survey weighted estimating equation (EE) theory, longitudinal surveys and generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis, variance estimation and resampling techniques, empirical likelihood methods for complex surveys, handling missing data and non-response, and Bayesian inference for survey data. The third part provides guidance and tools on practical aspects of large-scale surveys, such as training and quality control, frame construction, choices of survey designs, strategies for reducing non-response, and weight calculation. These procedures are illustrated through real-world surveys. Several specialized topics are also discussed in detail, including household surveys, telephone and web surveys, natural resource inventory surveys, adaptive and network surveys, dual-frame and multiple frame surveys, and analysis of non-probability survey samples. This book is a self-contained introduction to survey sampling that provides a strong theoretical base with coverage of current research trends and pragmatic guidance and tools for conducting surveys.

It also describes the effects of bulking on errors and the use of ancillary information and regression to improve estimates.

"Environmental Monitoring" is a book designed by InTech - Open Access Publisher in collaboration with scientists and researchers from all over the world. The book is designed to present recent research advances and developments in the field of environmental monitoring to a global audience of scientists, researchers, environmental educators, administrators, managers, technicians, students, environmental enthusiasts and the general public. The book consists of a series of sections and chapters addressing topics like the monitoring of heavy metal contaminants in varied environments, biolgical monitoring/ecotoxicological studies; and the use of wireless sensor networks/Geosensor webs in environmental monitoring.

Sampling theory considers how methods for selection of a subset of units from a finite population (a sample) affect the accuracy of estimates of descriptive population parameters (mean, total, proportion). Although a sound knowledge of sampling theory principles would seem essential for ecologists and natural resource scientists, the subject tends to be somewhat overlooked in contrast to other core statistical topics such as regression analysis, experimental design, and multivariate statistics. This introductory text aims to redress this imbalance by specifically targeting ecologists and resource scientists, and illustrating how sampling theory can be applied in a wide variety of resource contexts. The emphasis throughout is on design-based sampling from finite populations, but some attention is given to model-based prediction and sampling from infinite populations.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Fate, Detection and Remediation provides both the practical and theoretical aspects of the origin and removal of EDCs. The book integrates in one system all relevant research in monitoring, detection and control, and provides a multi-barrier approach to managing EDCs that helps relevant stakeholders take preventive measures for the risks associated with EDCs in the environment (e.g., water, wastewater, soil and other natural ecosystems). The book not only provides a technological solution for managing these emerging pollutants but also comprehensively treats the origin, fate, and mechanisms of EDCs.This makes the book an indispensable source of information for researchers to develop sustainable, affordable and commercially viable monitoring and remedial systems. - Crucial resource for the development of sustainable, affordable and commercially viable monitoring and remedial systems - Describes existing removal methodologies, along with the discussion on the future scope of improvement in terms of their efficiency and deployment - Elucidates both practical and theoretical aspects of EDCs origin, monitoring and removal

The sustainable management of forest resources became an indispensable prerequisite for any policy addressing the actual and future challenges of globabl development. Forests and other tree resources are essential for the provision of ecosystem services and contribute largely to future food security, livelihoods and ecosystem stability. Forests and any other trees outside the forest play a relevant role all three great UN conventions (on Climate Change, on Biodiversity, and on Combatting Desertification). The policy processes to implement the measures in these conventions on sub-national, national, regional and international level are extremely complex. This complexity comes, among other factors, from a blend of different sectoral and national interests, from a large number of scientifically not yet entirely resolved issues and a wide range of different biophysical, social, cultural and political conditions all over the world.