Handbook of Ecological Models used in Ecosystem and Environmental Management

It is estimated that roughly 1000 new ecological and environmental models join the ranks of the scientific literature each year. The international peer-reviewed literature reports some 20,000 new models spanning the period from 1970-2010. Just to keep abreast of the field it is necessary to design a handbook of models that doesn’t merely list them, but rather draws the state-of-the-art development of models for ecosystem and environmental management.

Published first in 1996, Handbook of Models Applied in Ecosystem and Environmental Management applies precisely this approach to review current models applied in ecosystem-wide as well as environmentally specific management. Divided into two sections, the first section focuses on models of common ecosystems, leaving out only the most rare and extreme. Chapters cover coastal and marine ecosystems, wetlands, and estuaries; lake models and those general considerations valid for all freshwater ecosystems; grasslands, forests, and general features of terrestrial ecosystems; and managed ecosystems including agriculture and aquaculture as well as wastewater treatment systems.

Section II devotes attention to specific environmental problems. It begins with a look at "out of balance" problems such as eutrophication models, models of oxygen depletion, and acidification models in water pollution. Further chapters cover pollution by toxic substances, namely, heavy metal and organic toxins; global warming; fire and the spread of fire, and air pollution and the unique considerations of aerodynamics.

Supported with extensive references, Handbook of Models Applied in Ecosystem and Environmental Management provides a solid overview of the models currently in use for the management and homeostasis of whole ecosystems as well as for the solution of today’s most pressing environmental problems.

Sven Erik Jørgensen works with the Royal Danish School of Pharmacy.