Dictionary of environmental science and technology - Andrew Porteous

As concern for the environment continues to grow, environmental science has become an interdisciplinary subject dealing with elements of ecology, chemistry, economies, engineering, biochemistry, politics and sociology. This valuable dictionary, now in its 3rd edition, includes over 4000 entries covered in depth with extensive cross–referencing to guide the reader, illustrations and more international case studies. This informative read is an indispensable reference to all those concerned with the world's environment. "This compilation is, indeed, a valuable addition to the environmental bookshelf, because of its comprehensiveness, clear presentation and up–to–date treatment. As a reference book the second edition is indispensable and of interest to a wide circle of researchers, students, personnel in all sorts of activities and the general public. The enormous effort by the author to seek information from a tremendous number of sources is to be applauded, bearing in mind the multi–disciplinary nature of environmental problems. Apart from a generous presentation of topics, the book contains many valuable figures and tables and a guide to further reading. I have nothing but praise for the author's dedication and hard work." International Journal of Environmental Statistics, Vol. 52, 1997 "This is a veritable Whitakers' Almanac of useful information on all aspects of science and the natural environment, and its Open University lecturer author needs little introduction. It is as useful for dipping into – being crammed with fascinating facts – as it is for checking definitions. Essential for layman and specialist alike, it is excellent value at the price, and strongly recommended." Packaging Week June 1996 "This makes the dictionary a formidable rival of many much more expensive and heavier volumes. Porteous succeeds to precisely describe the chosen terms without compromise to readability. Cross–references nicely bring together additional or related information. The reader is often captured by the well–written text and is kept reading far beyond the sought–after term." Environmental Geology, February 1997 "This dictionary is a valuable source for information on the environmental and more than fulfils the author's aim of 'contributing to environmental literacy'. Its price is affordable to all students of the environmental sciences." Royal Society of Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry Group Newsletter, January 1997 "This dictionary is highly recommended as a valuable reference for both students and professionals working in environmental science and technology." International Journal of Environment and Pollution, Vol. 6, Nos 2/3, 1996