While new developments in genomics, nanotechnology, sampling, and modelling permit increasingly revealing investigation into flocculation structure and processes, there is still a fundamental lack of knowledge related to many aspects of this phenomenon. Presented by a prominent team of international experts, this text takes a unique perspective and melds together the natural and engineering fields of science as they relate to this central phenomenon. In doing so, the authors present the full range of sampling, handling, analytical, and interpretive options for operational management of natural or engineered system, providing comprehensive coverage that meets the needs of researchers, practitioners and students.

This book focuses on sediments as a pollutant in natural freshwater and marine habitats, and as a vector for the transfer of chemicals such as nutrients and contaminants. Sediment-water research is carried out all over the world within a variety of disciplines. The selected papers cover three main topics relating to assessment and/or restoration of disturbed watersheds, sediment-water linkages in terrestrial and aquatic environments and evaluation of sediment and ecological changes in marine and freshwater habitats. Innovative research in both developed and less developed countries is included. Both fundamental research, insight into applied research and system management are covered. The volume will also appeal to readers involved in sediment geochemistry and dynamics, aquatic habitats, water quality, aquatic ecology, river morphology, restoration techniques and catchment management.