Plasma Science and the Environment

"Written by some of the world's foremost experts, the articles in this book show how plasma science can be applied to environmental problems, including atmospheric sensing and modification, energy conservation, reduction of air pollution, and processing of ordinary and radioactive wastes. Atmospheric CFC's might be zapped with big lasers. Urban air pollution could be removed by large convection towers built in or near cities. And weapons-grade plutonium can be destroyed with specially designed particle accelerators. Some of the technologies described here are in use already, while others are in the prototype stage, or are speculative approaches deserving of further study." "Contents" Written by some of the world's foremost experts, the articles in this book show how plasma science can be applied to environmental problems, including atmospheric sensing and modification, energy conservation, reduction of air pollution, and processing of ordinary and radioactive wastes. Atmospheric CFC's might be zapped with big lasers. Urban air pollution could be removed by large convection towers built in or near cities. And weapons-grade plutonium can be destroyed with specially designed particle accelerators. Some of the technologies described here are in use already, while others are in the prototype stage, or are speculative approaches deserving of further study.

Plasma Science and the Environment describes important advances on environmental issues made by researchers in plasma physics and its associated fields of fluids, gaseous chemistry, lasers, microwaves, and electron beams. Written by some of the world's foremost plasma science experts, the articles here range from the global perspective of climate and atmospheric change to new developments in energy efficiency and conservation to key applications in waste treatment and reduction. Clearly written, up to date, and extensively referenced, Plasma Science and the Environment introduces nonspecialists to a fascinating field of scientific endeavor. Readers will gain a broader understanding of some of the most crucial problems facing the modern world, and will see how specialists in a particular area of physics are working to solve them.