Dictionary of Environmental Science and Technology

This superb and highly-acclaimed dictionary includes over 4000 in-depth entries on scientific and technical terminology, associated with environmental protection and resource management. In addition, it contains numerous illustrations, a wide range of international case studies and extensive cross-references to guide the reader. The fourth edition represents a major update with 30% new material, additional illustrations and a greatly expanded list of relevant web resources.

Reviews of previous editions:

This is a veritable Whitakers' Almanac of useful information on all aspects of science and the natural environment, and its 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. - Packaging Week

...Porteous' book will contribute to better understanding and protection of the world's environment... - Photosynthetica

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

...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

Dictionary of Environmental Science and technology, Fourth Edition will be an indispensable reference for all students and professionals concerned with the world's environment.

Booknews

Four thousand entries with cross-referencing and occasional illustrations contribute to literacy in ecology, that science at the intersections not only of plants, animals, and elements, but at the crossroads of cultural pursuits such as chemistry, economics, engineering, politics, and sociology. While this dictionary makes a respectable attempt to cover all this ground, the reference work is best suited for the scientist, for the simple reason that technical information abounds. For example, in the long definition for there is this: "1988 figures for dioxin emissions from Swedish incineration plants (measured as TCDD equivalents) showed 0.5-2 ng/m3 of dry flue gas," such a quote being more the norm than the exception. The volume comes from a British perspective as can be seen in the appendix of environmental organizations, the majority in the UK, and such definitions as that of (HMIP), the British version of EPA (not included). Porteous is Professor of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Technology at the Open University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)