Environmental Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Metals

Contamination of the earth's ecosystems by potentially toxie metalsl metalloids is a global problem. It will likely grow with our planet's increasing populations and their requirements for natural resources (e. g. , water, food, energy, waste-disposal sites) and metals-based goods. The health impacts of pollution from the ingestion of heavy metals/metalloids via respiration, food, and drinking water are most often long-term and manifest themselves in many ways. These include, for example, disminution of mental acuity, loss of motor control, critieal organ dysfunction, cancer, chronie illnesses and con- comitant suffering, incapacitation, and finally death. The incidence and geographie distribution of disease (epidemiology) has been well-documented historieally and in modern times for toxic metals- triggered diseases in humans, animals and vegetation. The role of the environmental geochemist and colleagues in environ- mental sciences is to scientifically evaluate how to manage metalsl metalloids at sources or in-situ so as to alleviate or eliminate their negative health impacts on living populations.This is initiated by identifying sources and by developing models of the physieal, chem- ieal and biologieal controls on mobilization, interaction, deposition and accumulation of potentially toxie metals/metalloids in source systems and earth ecosystems. Prom this knowledge base, environ- mental scientists (e. g. , geologists, chemists, biologists, environmen- tal engineers, physicists/meteorologists) work together to develop Preface VI concepts and technologieal methodologies to preserve global eco- systems. Their concerted efforts are equally focussed on devising strategems to remediate ecosystems still carrying heavy metals/metal- loids pollutant burdens from ancient and modern societies.

From the reviews: "Environmental Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Metals by Frederic R. Siegel is a well-organized text, which provides a good overview of the pertinent issues in studying heavy metals in the environment. … The figures and tables complement the text and wonderfully display such topics as uses of metals and the biogeochemical cycles of nutrients. … this is a useful text for geochemistry/ecology students and interested laymen who want to learn about the origin, transport, and sequestering of toxic metals." (Philip L. Verplanck, Mineralium Deposita, Vol. 38 (2), 2003) "This book, containing 218 pages divided into nine chapters, gives, as the title indicates, an overview of the geochemistry of toxic metals. In the first section a clear definition is given of which metals are considered toxic, including an overview of effects on ecosystems. … this book is an interesting document for all scientists working in the field of metals. … There is much interesting information included, especially in the tables." (Jan Bronders, International Journal of Environment and Pollution, Vol. 19 (6), 2003) "This book contains a lot of fundamental and actual scientific knowledge on environmental geochemistry of potentially toxic metals and related fields. Facts are presented in clear chapters divided into short sections, written in a concise and clearly understandable style. … The book is strongly recommended for students in many fields … and all those who start to work in the field of potentially toxic metals or are interested in this research. It is therefore a valuable and timely addition to the literature." (W. Calmano, Acta hydrochimica et hydrobiologica, Vol. 21 (1), 2003) "This volume is a welcome addition to the field. … It sets out to provide a comprehensive overview of fundamental geochemical principles and their relevance to potential impact of potentially toxic metals on ecosystem function. … The text … presents a concise and focused treatment of the issues. … it is certainly the definitive overview of the environmental geochemistry of metal pollution. It is relevant to all practitioners, researchers and students of the subject … . An accessible, enjoyable and informative volume – strongly recommended." (Professor Andrew S. Hursthouse, Journal of Environmental Monitoring – online, March, 2003)