Environmental Science: Principles and Practices - Hardcover

Spellman, Frank R.; Stoudt, Melissa L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0810886103 ISBN 13: 9780810886100

Publisher: Scarecrow Press, 2013

Synopsis

Environmental Science: Principles and Practices provides the scientific principles, concepts, applications, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and manmade, evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and examine alternative solutions (such as renewable energy sources) for resolving and even preventing them. Frank R. Spellman and Melissa Stoudt introduce the science of the environmental mediums of air, water, soil, and biota to undergraduate students.

Interdisciplinary by nature, environmental science embraces a wide array of topics. Environmental Science: Principles and Practices brings these topics together under several major themes, including

How energy conversions underlie all ecological processesHow the earth’s environment functions as an integrated systemHow human activities alter natural systemsHow the role of culture, social, and economic factors is vital to the development of solutionsHow human survival depends on practical ideas of stewardship and sustainability
Environmental Science: Principles and Practices is an ideal resource for students of science in the classroom and at home, in the library and the lab.

About this title

About the Author

Frank R. Spellman is the author or co-author of more than 70 books on the natural sciences, as well as environmental and health sciences. He has served as a consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice, a variety of law firms, and a number of non-governmental organizations on environmental issues and health-related matters. He is formerly an assistant professor of environmental health at Old Dominion University.

Melissa L. Stoudt is a radiation controls training instructor at an atomic power laboratory. Previously, she instructed students and officers of the US Navy in proper radiation controls and handling of radioactive material. She is coauthor of Nuclear Infrastructure Protection and Homeland Security (Scarecrow Press 2011).

Reviews

This volume—arranged into 5 parts and 18 chapters—provides a thorough introduction to the study of environmental science and its many related fields of study. Each chapter begins with a short quote or anecdote, a list of chapter objectives and an outline, a list of key terms, and an introduction to the subject at hand. The first of the five sections focuses on providing foundational knowledge critical to the study and understanding of environmental science, while the following sections focus more closely on air quality, water quality, soil science, and solid and hazardous waste. Each chapter closes with a short summary, a list of suggested discussion questions and problems, a list of suggested research topics and projects, notes, and a list of references and recommended reading. Black-and-white images and illustrations are included throughout the text. Although the charts and illustrations are generally useful, some of the photographs are difficult to discern. “Did You Know?” boxes appear through the book to highlight key information and quick facts. Boxed sections featuring “Response Scenarios” offer sample situations as well as suggested questions to prompt further thought and discussion. “Case Studies” also appear in shaded boxes and offer real-world examples of relevant topics. The text concludes with a comprehensive glossary and an index. The authors provide a balanced discussion of the practices by humans that are harmful to the environment while also presenting possible solutions. Intended for undergraduate students and general readers, this set would be a worthwhile resource for academic and public libraries. High-school libraries where AP classes on environmental science are taught would also find this volume to be useful. --Maren Ostergard

Edition details

• Publisher: Scarecrow Press
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0810886103
• ISBN 13: 9780810886100
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 732