List of Environmental Chemistry Texts
Dunnivant, 2001
Compiled for the Environmental Chemistry Division of ACS
San Diego, CA April, 2001
Text for Laboratory Experiments
1. Boebnke, Neal D. and R. Del Delumyea, 2000. Laboratory Experiments in
Environmental Chemistry. Prentice-Hall, Inc. Upper Saddle River, NJ ISBN 0-13917171-1
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: EXCELLENT. Contains experiments for air, water, and wastewater. Provides
the student with excellent background information. Uses relatively simple basic
instrumentation and glassware. Highly recommended.
Table of Contents:
Statistical treatment of raw data and properties of natural waters
Collection and preservation of water and sediment samples:
inorganic and organic profiles of soil and sediment cores
The pH and buffer capacity of environmental waters
Alkalinity of streams and lakes
Use of ion-selective electrodes to determine trace levels of ions in
natural waters
Conductivity of various waters
Determination of chloride ion in natural waters: A comparison of
methods
Determination of the hardness of natural waters
Spectroscopy, colorimetry, and absorption spectra: determining
iron and manganese in natural water
Determination of trace amounts of metals by AAS
Removal of chromium from wastewater at the ppm level
Solubility of oxygen in pure and natural waters and its dependence
on temperature and salinity
Spectrophotometric determination of the chemical oxygen demand
of natural waters and wastewaters using a standard method
Determination of oils and greases by Soxhlet extraction
Fluorimetric determination of polycyclic hydrocarbons
Determination of the octanol/water partition coefficients for
organic pollutants of varying hydrophobic/hydrophilic
character
Determination of oil-spill sources using pattern recognition of
known petroleum product gas chromatograms
Analysis of environmental hydrocarbons using simple extraction
and analysis by flame ionization detection gas
chromatography
Kinetics of the decomposition of pollutants in the environment
with an application to plasticizers
Properties of detergents: surface tension measurement of critical
micelle concentration
2. Ondrus, Martin G. 1996. Environmental Chemistry: Experiments and
Demonstrations. 2nd Edition. Wuerz Publishing, Ltd. Winnipeg, Canada
swuerz@wuerzpubl.mb.ca ISBN 0-920063-69-1
Rating: * * *
Notes: Several basic wet techniques relevant to environmental chemistry. Some
experiments may be useful in general chemistry and there are many for environmental
chemistry if you have limited instrumentation. Also includes useful demonstrations for
the classroom, but they are not very environmentally relevant.
Table of Contents:
Cu and As in Treated Wood
Effect of heavy metal ions on the growth of microorganisms
Analysis of phosphate in water
Phosphates in detergents
Ion selective electrodes
Salts in water
Acidity and alkalinity of drinking water
Total coliform determination by membrane filtration
Measurement of dissolved oxygen, BOD5, and rate of oxygen
adsorption in water
Identification of food dyes by paper chromatography
Molecular models
Identification of FD&C dyes by visible spectrophotometry
Detection of fuel components by gas chromatography
Determination of heat of combustion of coal using bomb
calorimetry
Heat of combustion and efficiency of heat transfer
Measurement of sulfur content in coal
Detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water
Oxides of sulfur, carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, magnesium, and
calcium
Sampling of NOx and particulates
Preparation and properties of ozone
Gas-phase analysis of air components and air pollutants using
Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy
Exponential decay of a transition metal complex ion
Single-digestion procedure for determining phosphorus, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen in plant tissue
3. Sawyer, C.N., McCarty, P.L. and G.F. Parkin. 1994. Chemistry for Environmental
Engineers. McGraw-Hill, Inc., NY ISBN 0 07 054978 8
Rating: * * * *
Notes: A must for environmental engineers with limited background in chemical theory
and lab experience. Concentrates mostly on wet chemical techniques.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Basic Concepts from General Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Physical Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Equilibrium Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Organic Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Biochemistry
Basic Concepts from Colloid Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Nuclear Chemistry
Basic Concepts from Quantitative Chemistry
Instrumental Methods of Analysis
Turbidity
Color
Standard Solutions
pH
Acidity
Alkalinity
Hardness
Residual Chlorine and Chlorine Demand
Chlorides
Dissolved Oxygen
Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Nitrogen
Solids
Iron and Manganese
Fluoride
Sulfate
Phosphorus and Phosphate
Oil and Grease
Volatile Acids
Gas Analysis
Trace Contaminants
4. Vowles, P.D. and D.W. Connell. 1980 (possibly out of print). Experiments in
Environmental Chemistry A Laboratory Manual. Pergamon Press, NY ISBN 0-08024010-0
Rating: *
Notes: Contains good early basic experiments for environmental chemistry and ecology.
These experiments remind me of graduate school in the '80s. Mostly contains ecological
based experiments with very limited instrumentation. Probably out of print.
Table of contents:
Photosynthesis, respiration, and biochemical oxygen demand
Eutrophication
Sewage treatment – a field trip
Insecticides in cigarette smoke
Gas chromatography of volatile hydrocarbons
Toxicity of copper ions toward aquatic biota
Lead in household paint
Atmospheric pollutants
Aflatoxins in peanuts
Food additives
Erucic acid content of bread
DDT in human milk
Chemical defense of the Monarch butterfly
Stream pollution
Texts for a ~Non-Majors Undergraduate Course
Primary Selection Criteria: No college level chemistry prerequisites
5. American Chemical Society. 2000. Chemistry in Context: Applying Chemistry to
Society. McGraw Hill, Inc., NY ISBN 0 697 36024 5
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: Perhaps one of the best texts for undergraduates not majoring in science. This
book approaches chemistry mostly from an environmental perspective. Highly
recommended (I have used this book three times at two colleges).
Table of Contents:
The Air We Breathe
Protecting the Ozone Layer
The Chemistry of Global Warming
Energy, Chemistry, and Society
Take a Drink: The Wonder of Safe Drinking Water
Neutralizing the Threat of Acid Rain
The Fires of Nuclear Fission
New Energy Sources for the New Century
The World of Plastics and Polymers
Manipulating Molecules and Designing Drugs
Nutrition: Food for Thought
Genetic Engineering and the Chemistry of Heredity
6. Baird, C. 1998. Environmental Chemistry. 2nd Edition. W.H. Freeman and
Company, NY ISBN 0 7167 3153 3
Rating: * * *
Notes: This book provides a simple overview of environmental processes. A basic (high
school) knowledge of chemistry is necessary. One main criticism of the text is its
simplicity. There are a few quantitative problems and the text is mostly qualitative.
Contains in-chapter and end-of-chapter problems, mostly qualitative.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Air and Energy
Ground Level Air Chemistry and Air Pollution
The Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Energy Use, CO2 Emissions, and Their Environmental
Consequences
Toxic Organic Chemicals
Toxic Heavy Metals
The Chemistry of Natural Waters
The Purification of Polluted Waters
Waste and Contaminated Soil Management
7. Beard, J.M. 1994. Chemistry, Energy, and the Environment. Wuerz Publishing Ltd.
ISBN 0 920063 68 3
Rating: * * +
Notes: This book does an adequate job of covering the basics of chemistry, ‘what we feel
non-science majors should know about chemistry’. Covers nutrient cycles, weather, the
major environmental concerns, radioactivity, water and waste treatment, and energy. The
book’s major weakness is its qualitative approach. It covers balances chemical equations,
but has little if any quantitative examples or problems.
Does not contain worked problems in the chapters. It does have limited, qualitative endof-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Background to the Environmental Problem
The Natural Laws
Chemistry
Element Cycles
Toxicology
Meteorology and Climate
Air Pollution
Global Atmospheric Change
The Air Indoors
Water
Water Pollution
Solid Waste
Hazardous Waste
Energy
8. Bunce, N.J. 1994. Environmental Chemistry. 2nd Edition. Wuertz Publishing, Ltd.
Winnipeg, Canada ISBN 0 920063 65 9
Rating: * * *
Notes: When this text was published it was recommended for use as a senior level course
for students not majoring in chemistry. Today, this book could possibly be used as a text
for a non-majors course, but the students will need to have a strong high school
background in chemistry. Its treatment of most topics is a bit weak by today’s standards
for a student majoring in chemistry. It is a good overview of the basics in environmental
chemistry.
Does not contain in-chapter problems. Does contain end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
The Atmosphere
Stratospheric Ozone
Tropospheric Chemistry
Indoor Air Quality
Natural Waters
Acid Rain
Drinking Water
Sewage and Waste Disposal
Chlorine and Chlorinated Organic Compounds
Metals in the Environment
9. Williams, I. 2001 (summer). Environmental Chemistry: A Modular Approach. John
Wiley & Sons, NY ISBN 0 471 48942 5
Notes: A review copy is unavailable at this time.
A Brief Table of Contents:
Concepts and Skills in Environmental Chemistry
The Chemistry Laboratory
Report Writing
The Structure and Composition of the Earth
Mineral and Metal Resources
Natural Cycles
Water
Environmental Chemistry (Senior and Graduate Levels)
Primary Selection Criteria: Prerequisites include first-year chemistry
10.Alloway, B.J. and D.C. Ayres. 1997. Chemical Principles of Environmental
Pollution. 2nd Edition, Blackie Academic and Professional, NY ISBN 0 7514 0380 6
Rating: * * *
Notes: Contains a good collection of environmental chemistry processes. Probably most
appropriate for a senior level course in chemistry, although considerable mathematics is
required in the fate and transport sections.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Basic Principles
Introduction
Transport and Behavior of Pollutants in the Environment
Toxicity and Risk Assessment of Environmental Pollutants
Analysis and Monitoring of Pollutants
Part 2: The Pollutants
Inorganic Pollutants
Organic Pollutants
Indoor Pollution
Part 3: Waste and Other Mulitpollutant Situations
Wastes and Their Disposal
11. Bailey, R.A., H.M. Clarke, J.P. Ferris, S. Krause, and R.L. Strong. 1978. Chemistry
of the Environment, Academic Press, NY ISBN 0 12 073050 2
Rating: * *
Notes: This text is a bit dated, but the basic processes (such as photochemistry,
chlorinated pesticides, etc.) have not changed very much. The book lacks quantitative
aspects.
Does not contain in-chapter or end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Energy
Atmospheric Composition and Behavior
Energy and Climate
Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Coal
Soaps and Detergents
Pesticides, PCBs, and other Chlorinated Compounds
Third Generation Insect Control
Principles of Photochemistry
Atmospheric Photochemistry
Photochemistry in the Biosphere
Polymers and Plastics
Chemistry in Aqueous Media
The Environmental Chemistry on Some Important Elements
Natural Water Systems
The Earth’s Crust
Nuclear Chemistry of the Environment
12. Baker, L.A. 1994. Environmental Chemistry of Lakes and Reservoirs, Advances in
Chemistry Series 237, Division of Environmental Chemistry, American Chemical
Society, Washington, DC. ISBN 0 8412 2526 5
Rating: * * *
Does not contain many quantitative aspects. Does not contain any in-chapter or end-ofchapter problems.
Notes: This text is could serve as an alternative approach to the typical lecture-based
course (i.e. a topic-based discussion course on lake and reservoir chemistry). It contains
a diverse range of chapters written by experts in each field. It has excellent case studies.
Perhaps its best use is as a reference text (supplemental material) for a lecture-discussion
based course.
Table of Contents:
Geochemical Analysis
Long-Term Chemical Changes in Lakes
Atmospheric Mercury Deposition in Lakes and Watersheds
Use of Oxygen-18 and Deuterium to Assess the Hydrology
of Groundwater-Lake Systems
Ecosystem-Scale Experiments
Effects of Acidification on Chemical Composition and
Chemical Cycles in a Seepage Lake
Organic Phosphorus in the Hydrosphere
Cycling and Distribution of Major Elements
Chemistry of Dissolved Organic Matter in Rivers, Lakes,
and Reservoirs
Long-Term Changes in Watershed Retention of Nitrogen
Mass Fluxes and Recycling of Phosphorus in Lake
Michigan
Retention of Sulfur in Lake Sediments
Reaction of H2S with Ferric Oxides
Factors Affecting the Distribution of H2O2 in Surface
Waters
Geochemistry of Trace Metals
Cycling of Mercury across the Sediment-Water Interface
Contaminant Mobilization Resulting from Redox Pumping
in a Metal-Contaminated River-Reservoir System
Cycles of Trace Elements in a Lake with a Seasonally
Anoxic Hypolimnion
Manganese Dynamics in Lake Richard B. Russell
Behavior of Organic Pollutants
Environmental Behavior and Fate of Anionic Surfactants
Fate of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants
Differential Weathering of PCB Congeners in Lake
Hartwell, South Carolina
13. Buell, P. and J. Girand. 1994 (1998? A new edition may be coming). Chemistry: An
Environmental Perspective. 1st edition, Prentice Hall, NJ
Notes: Unavailable for review, possibly out of print.
14. Bunce, N.J. 1993. Introduction to Environmental Chemistry. Wuerz Publishing,
Ltd. Winnipeg, Canada. ISBN 0 920063 50 0
Rating: * * * * (as a second semester college text) * * as an environmental chemistry
text.
Notes: College level general chemistry is certainly a prerequisite for this text, but
basically it is a “re-teaching” of general chemistry from an environmental perspective.
The best use of this text may be for teaching second semester college chemistry. It
contains all of the elements of college chemistry, but again, from an environmental
perspective.
Contains quantitative in-chapter and end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry
Stoichiometry: Mole Relationships
Stoichiometry: Chemical Equations and Chemical Reactions
Industrial Processes
Enthalpy Changes
Gases and the Atmosphere
Kinetics
Gas Phase Equilibria
Photochemical Smog and Ground Level Ozone
Water
Free Energy Changes
Stratospheric Ozone Depletion
Solubility Equilibria
Acid Rain
Acids and Bases
Electrochemistry
Metals and Mining
15. Connell, D.W. 1997. Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry. Lewis
Publishers, NY ISBN 0 87371 998 0
Rating: * * *
Notes: The beginning of the text is a good review of general chemistry as applied to
environmental chemistry. The book contains very good summaries of the topics listed in
the table of contents but it is a bit too simplistic for a true course in environmental
chemistry. Perhaps it would be best used in a biology course in environmental sciences.
It’s greatest weakness is a complete lack of quantitative examples and problems.
End-of-chapter problems are limited and qualitative. The book does not contain any
worked problems or examples in the chapter.
Table of Contents:
Principles of Environmental Chemistry
The Role and Importance of Environmental Chemistry
Basic Properties of Chemicals in the Environment
Bonds and Molecules
Environmental Transformation and Degradation Processes
Environmental Toxicology
Contaminants in the Environment
Petroleum Hydrocarbons
PCBs and Dioxins
Synthetic Polymers
Pesticides
PAHs
Soaps and Detergents
Organometallic Compounds
Processes in the Natural Environment
Photosynthesis and Respiration
Chemical Evolution
Chemistry of Natural Waters
Water Pollution
Atmospheric Chemistry and Pollution
Soil Contamination
Distribution of Chemicals in the Environment
Genotoxicity
Management of Hazardous Substances
Ecotoxicology
Risk Assessment
16. Crosby, D.G. 1998. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Oxford University
Press, NY ISBN 0 19 511713 1
Rating: * * +
Notes: The authors recommend this text for third- or fourth-year undergraduates or firstyear graduate students. This text is a good qualitative overview of chemicals and
processes important in toxicology. A good chemistry (and biochemistry) background is
recommended. Not necessary a good text for teaching strictly environmental chemistry.
Does not contain in-chapter or end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Environmental Chemicals
Environmental Chemodynamics
Environmental Transport
Abiotic Transformations
Biotransformations
Intoxication
Quantitative Toxicology
Intoxication Mechanisms
Exposure and Risk
Inorganic Toxicants
Biotoxins
Industrial Chemicals
Refractory Pollutants
Reactive Pollutants
Predicting Environmental Fate and Effects
17. Fifield, F.W. and P.J. Haines. 2000. Environmental Analytical Chemistry.
Blackwell Science, Ltd. ISBN 0 632 05383 6
Notes: A copy of this text was not available for review.
18. Harrison, R.M. 1999. Understanding Our Environment: An Introduction to
Environmental Chemistry and Pollution. 3rd Edition, Royal Society of Chemistry,
Cambridge, UK. ISBN 0 85404 584 8
Rating: * * * +
Notes: Excellent summary of environmental chemistry for air, water, and soil
environments. Contains a good basic overview of environmental chemistry. Contains
qualitative and quantitative aspects in each chapter and has very up to date information.
References include hard and Internet sources. Reasonably challenging text. Does not
contain many engineering concepts.
Contains a limited number of qualitative and quantitative questions at the end of the
chapter. Does not contain any in-chapter problem examples.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Atmosphere
The Global Atmosphere
Atmospheric Transport and Dispersion of Pollutants
Emission to Atmosphere and Air Quality
Gas Phase Reactions and Photochemical Ozone
Particles and Acid Deposition
Freshwaters
Introduction
Fundamentals of Aquatic Chemistry
Case Studies
The Oceanic Environment
Introduction
Seawater Composition and Chemistry
Dissolved Gases
Suspended Particles and Marine Sediments
Physical and Chemical Processes in Estuaries
Marine Contamination and Pollution
Land Contamination and Reclamation
Introduction
Soil: Formation, Constituents, and Properties
Sources of Land Contaminants
Characteristics of Some Major Groups of Land
Contaminants
Possible Hazards from Contaminated Land
Methods of Site Investigation
Interpretation of Site Investigation Data
Reclamation of Contaminated Land
Case Studies
Environmental Cycling of Pollutants
Introduction to Biogeochemical Cycling
Rates of Transfer Between Environmental Compartments
Transfers in Aquatic Systems
Biogeochemical Cycles
Environmental Partitioning
Environmental Monitoring Strategies
Objectives
Types of Monitoring
Sampling Methods
Modeling of Environmental Dispersion
Duration and Extent of Survey
Prerequisites for Monitoring
Remote Sensing of Pollutant
Presentation of Data
Ecological and Health Effects of Chemical Pollutants
Introduction
Toxicity: E-R Relationships
Exposure
Absorption
Internal Pathways
Ecological Risk Assessment
Biomarkers
Effect of Air Pollution on Plants
Ecological Effects of Acid Deposition
Forest Decline
Effects of Pollutants on Reproduction and Development
Hydrocarbons in the Marine Environment
Health Effects of Metal Pollution
Managing Environmental Quality
Introduction
Objectives, Standards, and Limits
Legislation to Control and Prevent Pollution
Pollution Control Agencies
Economic Instruments for Managing Pollution
Public and Commercial Pressures to Improve the
Environment
19. Harrison, R.M., S.J. de Mora, S. Rapsomanikis, and W.R. Johnston. 1996.
Introductory Chemistry for the Environmental Sciences. Cambridge University Press.
ISBN 0 521 48172 4 (hardback), 0 521 48450 2 (paperback)
Rating: * * +
Notes: As you can tell from the table of contents, this book is an excellent, applied
review of first-year chemistry and quantitative analysis; but I would not recommend it as
an introductory text for environmental sciences. However, I’m not sure where it fits in
the scheme of college education. The second edition has some excellent additions
(details the basics of environmental chemistry: global warming, ozone depletion, smog
generation, pesticides, etc.). Perhaps this could serve as a good basic overview of
environmental chemistry, with some supplemental material. Personally I do not feel that
it is inclusive enough to be used as an environmental chemistry text, but it could be an
excellent reference text. The text could possibly be used as an introduction chemistry
course for an engineering graduate program, but probably not an environmental
engineering program (it lacks significant detail).
Does not contain worked problems in the chapters. It does have limited end-of-chapter
problems.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Atomic and Molecular Structure
The Atom
Chemical Bonds
Chemical Quantities
Part 2: Physical Chemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Photochemistry
Thermodynamics
Equilibria
Electrochemistry
Chemistry of Surfaces and Colloids
Part 3: Chemistry of the Elements
Natural Abundance of the Elements
Main Block Elements
Organic Compounds
Organic Compounds in the Environment
Transition Elements
Biologically Essential Elements
Organometallic Compounds
Radionuclides
Part 4: Analytical Chemistry
General Properties of Analytical Chemistry
Sample Collection and Storage
Pre-treatment Techniques
Analytical Methods
Separations
Part 5: Environmental Biogeochemistry
Chemistry and Climate
Global Warming
The Antarctic Ozone Hole
Toxic Chemicals in the Environment
Organic Micropollutants
Part 6: Case Studies
Air Chemistry
Fresh Waters
Sea Water
Soils
Marine Sediments
20. Langmuir, D. 1997. Aqueous Environmental Geochemistry. Prentice Hall, NJ.
ISBN 0 02 367412 1
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: Now this is chemistry! Excellent review and extension of undergraduate
chemistry concepts. Excellent selection of topics (see table of contents below).
Excellent qualitative and quantitative discussions and problems.
Excellent qualitative and quantitative end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Thermochemical Principles
Chemical Kinetics
Aqueous Complexes
Activity Coefficients of Dissolved Species
Acids and Bases
Carbonate Chemistry
Chemical Weathering
General Controls on Natural Water Chemistry
The Geochemistry of Clay Minerals
Adsorption-Desorption Reactions
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Iron and Sulfur Geochemistry
Actinides and Their Daughter and Fission Products
Geochemical Computer Models
21 . van Loon, G.W. and S.J. Duffy. 2000. Environmental Chemistry: A Global
Perspective. Oxford University Press, NY ISBN 0 19 856440 6
Rating: * * *
Notes: As you can see from the table of contents below, this book concentrates on the
basic, but from a chemical perspective. The book assumes a good working knowledge of
chemistry: general chemistry, organic chemistry, and equilibrium calculations.
Table of Contents:
The Earth’s Atmosphere
Stratospheric Chemistry-Smog
Troposheric Chemistry-Precipitation
Atmospheric Aerosols
Chemistry of Urban and Indoor Atmospheres
The Chemistry of Global Climate
The Hydrosphere
Distribution of Species in Aquatic Systems
Gases in Water
Organic Matter in Water
Metals in the Hydrosphere
Environmental Chemistry of Colloids and Surfaces
Microbiological Processes
Water Pollution and Wastewater Treatment Chemistry
The Terrestrial Environment
Soil Properties
The Chemistry of Solid Wastes
Organic Biocides
The Future Earth
22. Macalady, D.L. 1998. Perspectives in Environmental Chemistry. Oxford
University Press, NY ISBN 0 19 510209 6
Rating: * * * (graduate text)
Notes: Intended for use in upper undergraduate and graduate level courses in
environmental sciences. This book contains a good summary of many of the important
topics in environmental chemistry. However, it may be too difficult for most
undergraduate students. I would describe many of the chapters as “densely” written
which is usually too difficult for undergraduate students to understand. If used as a
graduate text, supplementary introduction material may be necessary.
Does not contains in-chapter or end-of-chapter problems
Table of Contents:
The Solid-Water Interface in Natural Systems
An Overview of Environmental Colloids
Environmental Chemistry of Trace Metals
Metal-Catalyzed Hydrolysis of Organic Compounds in Aquatic
Environments
The Chemistry and Geochemistry of Natural Organic Matter
Assessing the Dynamic Behavior of Organic Contaminants in
Natural Waters
Correlation Analysis of Environmental Reactivity of Organic
Substances
Photolysis of Organics in the Environment
Oxidant Formation in the Troposphere
The Tropospheric Aerosol and Its Role in Atmospheric Chemistry
Why Carbon Dioxide from Fossil Fuel Burning Won’t Go Away
Laboratory Studies of Heterogeneous Chemistry-Perspectives in
Environmental Chemistry
Laboratory Studies of Heterogeneous Chemistry in the
Stratosphere
The Stratosphere Aerosol and Its Impact on Stratospheric
Chemistry
Chemical-Transport Models of the Atmosphere
Sample Collection and Handling of Environmental Matrices
Metal-Phytoplankton Interactions in Marine Systems
Atmosphere-Water-Rock Interactions as Observed in Alpine Lakes
Passive Bioremediation of Metals and Inorganic Contaminants
23. Manahan, S.E. 1994. Environmental Chemistry. 6th Edition, Lewis Publishers,
Boca Raton. ISBN 1 56670 492 8
Rating: * *
Notes: This text looks very impressive from the table of contents. However, the attempt
to cover such a broad range of topics may be this book’s downfall. I feel that very few
topics are covered in sufficient detail to warrant an additional course in chemistry. In
fact, I would characterize this text as environmental chemistry told from a first year
general and organic chemistry view.
Table of Contents:
Environmental Science and Technology
Environmental Chemistry and Chemical Cycles
Fundamentals of Aquatic Chemistry
Oxidation and Reduction
Phase Interactions
Aquatic Microbial Biochemistry
Water Pollution
Water Treatment
The Atmosphere and Atmospheric Chemistry
Particles in the Atmosphere
Gaseous Inorganic Air Pollutants
Organic Air Pollutants
Photochemical Smog
The Endangered Global Atmosphere
The Geosphere and Geochemistry
Soil Chemistry
Technology, Resources, and Energy
Nature and Sources of Hazardous Waste
Environmental Chemistry of Hazardous Waste
Reduction, Treatment, Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Environmental Biochemistry
Toxicology Chemistry
Toxicological Chemistry of Chemical Substances
Environmental Chemical Analysis
Fundamentals of Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
24. Morel, F.M.M. and J.G. Hering. 1993. Principles and Applications of Aquatic
Chemistry. John Wiley and Sons, Inc. NY ISBN 0 471 54896 0
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: An excellent aqueous solution chemistry text. Considerable emphasis is placed
on understanding chemical equilibrium and speciation. Most appropriate for graduate
school in chemistry, but may find use upper-tier graduate engineering programs.
Table of Contents:
Conservation Principles
Chemical Equilibrium and Energetics
Kinetics
Acids and Bases: Alkalinity and pH in Natural Waters
Solid Dissolution and Precipitation: Acquisition and Control of
Alkalinity
Complexation
Oxidation-Reduction
Reaction on Solid Surfaces
25. Pagenkopf, F.K. 1978. Introduction to Natural Water Chemistry. Marcel Dekker,
Inc., NY ISBN 0 8247 6706 3
Notes: Out of Print.
26. Perez-Bendito, D. and S. Rubino. 1999. Environmental Analytical Chemistry.
Elsevier Science
Notes: A copy of this text was not available for review.
27. Snoeyink, V.L. and D. Jenkins. 1980. Water Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, NY
ISBN 0471051969
Rating: * * *
Notes: Basic environmental (water) chemistry for the environmental engineer. A bit
dated but still a good text for those with a weak chemistry background.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chemical Kinetics
Chemical Equilibrium
Acid-Base Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Precipitation and Dissolution
Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
28. Spiro, T.G. and W.M. Stigliani. 1996. Chemistry of the Environment. PrenticeHall, Inc. NJ ISBN 0 02 415261 7
Rating: * *
Notes: This text is a good technical overview of environmental issues from a chemistry
perspective. Considerable knowledge in chemistry is needed (even molecular orbital
theory). However, the book may be considered brief and of limited scope to some
environmental chemists.
Contains end-of-chapter qualitative and quantitative problems.
Table of Contents:
Energy
Introduction
Fossil Fuels
Nuclear Energy
Renewable Energy
Energy Utilization
Atmosphere
Climate
Oxygen Chemistry
Stratospheric Ozone
Air Pollution
Hydrosphere
Water Resources
From Clouds to Runoff: Water as Solvent
Lakes, Rivers, Wetland, and Seas
Water Pollution and Water Treatment
Biosphere
Nitrogen and Food Production
Insecticides and Herbicides
Toxic Chemicals
29. Schwarzenback, R.P., R.M. Gschwend, and D.M. Imboden. 1993. Environmental
Organic Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, NY ISBN 0 471 83941 8
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: This book is a one-of-a-kind, solely dedicated to the environmental chemistry of
organic compounds. A must have for the reference shelf and an excellent environmental
text for chemistry students. The book covers theoretical concepts and practical
applications of organic pollutants in the real world.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background Thermodynamics
Vapor Pressure
Solubility of Activity Coefficient in Water
Air-Water Partitioning: The Henry’s Law Constant
Organic Solvent-Water Partitioning: The Octanol-Water Partition
Coefficient
Organic Acids and Bases: Acidity Constant and Partitioning
Behavior
Diffusion
The Gas-Liquid Interface: Air-Water Exchange
Sorption: Solid-Aqueous Solution Exchange
Chemical Transformation Reactions
Photochemical Transformation Reactions
Biological Transformation Reactions
Modeling Concepts
30. Stoker, H..S. and S.L. Seager. 1972. Environmental Chemistry. Foresman and Co.
Notes: Out of Print.
31. Stumm, W. and J.J. Morgan. 1996. Aquatic Chemistry. John Wiley & Sons, NY
ISBN 0 471 51185 4
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: A new edition of the classic text. One of the few books dedicated specifically to
water chemistry. Recommended use is as a graduate text, but may be useful in senior
level courses in chemistry departments. A must for the reference shelf.
No in-chapter problems but many excellent end-of-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
Acids and Bases
Dissolved Carbon Dioxide
Atmosphere – Water Interactions
Metal Ions in Aqueous Solution: Aspects of Coordination
Chemistry
Precipitation and Dissolution
Oxidation and Reduction: Equilibria and Microbial Mediation
The Solid – Solution Interface
Trace Metals: Cycling, Regulation, and Biological Role
Kinetics of Redox Processes
Photochemical Processes
Kinetics at the Solid-Water Interface: Adsorption, Dissolution of
Minerals, Nucleation, and Crystal Growth
Particle-Particle Interaction: Colloids, Coagulation, and Filtration
Regulation of the Chemical Composition of Natural Waters
32. Thibodeaux, L.J. 1996. Environmental Chemodynamics: Movement of Chemicals
in Air, Water, and Soil, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY ISBN 0 471 61295 2
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: A new edition of a classic text. Requires a good understanding of chemistry,
mathematics, and engineering. Provides an excellent integration of environmental
chemistry and engineering. Contains excellent end-of-chapter problems. Best suited fro
a graduate level course in engineering or chemistry.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Equilibrium at Environmental Interfaces
Transport Fundamentals
Chemical Exchange Between Air and Water
Chemical Exchange Between Water and Adjoining Earthen
Material
Chemical Exchange Between Air and Soil
Intraphase Chemical Transport and Fate
33. Tinsley, I.J. 1979. Chemical Concepts in Pollutant Behavior. John Wiley & Sons,
NY ISBN 0 471 03825 3
Rating: * *
Notes: This is one of the first classic texts in environmental chemistry. Currently no
copies of this book are available from the publisher and it is uncertain in a new printing
will be issued.
Table of Contents:
Physical Chemical Parameters
Adsorption
Distribution in Soil
Evaporation
Absorption
Photochemical Processes
Redox Systems
Hydrolysis
Metabolic Transformations
Bioaccumulation
Factors Influencing Bioaccumulation
Food Chain Magnification
Laboratory Systems for Measuring Food Chain Distribution
Instrumental Techniques
34. Yen, T.F. 1999. Environmental Chemistry: Essentials of Chemistry for Engineering
Practice Volumes 4A and 4B. Prentice Hall, Inc. NJ ISBN 0 13 285420 1
Rating: * * *
Notes: Upon reviewing the Table of Contents for the book (below) you will see that this
may be one of the most inclusive books (two volumes) on environmental chemistry.
However, if its attempt to be “all inclusive”, I feel it does injustice to most topics due to
its brief nature. It is definitely designed as a text for a graduate chemistry course in an
engineering department. Highly recommended as a reference text.
Contains end-of-chapter problems but no in-chapter examples.
Table of Contents:
Volume 4A
Physical Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Colloid and Surface Chemistry
Lithosphere – Fossil Fuels
Lithosphere – Alternative Energy Sources
Lithosphere – Nuclear Power
Atmosphere – Structure and Properties
Atmosphere – Air Pollution
Hydrosphere – Water Properties and Groundwater
Hydrosphere – Natural Water Pollution
Hydrosphere – Water Treatment
Pedosphere – Soil Chemistry
Pedosphere – Hazardous Waste and Remediation
Biosphere – Geochemical Aspects
Biosphere – Toxicology and Risks
Volume 4B (not available for review)
Chemical Equilibrium
Water Softening
Precipitation and Stabilization
Ion Exchange
Coagulation
Disinfection
Combustion, Pyrolysis, Incineration, and Photolysis
Oxidation and Reduction
Corrosion
Aeration and Stripping
Biochemical Kinetics and Reactors
Activated Sludge
Biotreatment and Bioconversion
Sedimentation and Floation
Filtration
Adsorption
Membrane Separation
Electromechanical, Magnetic, and Sonochemical Separation
Environmental Chemistry from a Nutrient Cycle Perspective
(Senior or Graduate Level)
35. Berner, E.K. and R.A. Berner. 1996. Global Environment: Water, Air, and
Geochemical Cycles, Prentice Hall, NJ ISBN 0 13 301169 0
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: An excellent text that complies the major nutrient cycles in a global context. It
also contains and discusses the major environmental threats to the Earth. Senior level
text for students with a solid basis in chemistry and geology.
Table of Contents:
Introduction to the Global Environment: The Water Cycle and
Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation
Air Chemistry: The Greenhouse Effect and the Ozone Hole
Rainwater and Atmospheric Chemistry
Chemical Weathering and Water Chemistry
Rivers
Lakes
Marginal Marine Environments: Estuaries
The Oceans
36. Butcher, S.S., R.J. Charlson, G.H. Orians, and G.V. Wolfe. 1992. Global
Biogeochemical Cycles, Academic Press, NY ISBN 0 12 147685 5
Rating: * * * * *
Notes: This is not environmental chemistry but it’s an excellent text from a geology
perspective. Destine to be a classic. Designed for a graduate level course in
biogeochemical cycles.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Origin and Early Evolution of the Earth
Evolution and the Biosphere
Modeling Biogeochemical Cycles
Equilibrium, Rate, and Natural Systems
Tectonic Processes, Continental Freeboard, and the RateControlling Step for Continental Denudation
Pedosphere
Sediments: Their Interaction with Biogeochemical Cycles through
Formation and Diagenesis
The Oceans
The Atmosphere
The Global Carbon Cycle
The Nitrogen Cycle
The Sulfur Cycle
The Phosphorus Cycle
Trace Metals
Human Modification of Global Biogeochemical Cycles
37. Chameides, W.L. and E.M. Perdue. 1997. Biogeochemical Cycles: A ComputerInteractive Study of Earth System Science and Global Change. Oxford University Press,
NY ISBN 0 19 509279 1
Rating: * * *
Notes: Basically this book contains the same mass balance data on the major nutrients
but adds some interesting modeling aspects. The modeling sections are highly
mathematical.
Contains limited end-of-chapter problems. Does not have in-chapter examples or
problems.
Table of Contents:
Biogeochemical Cycles: Their Role in the Earth System
Principles of Chemical Thermodynamics
The Earth System
The Mathematics of Simulating Biogeochemical Cycles
The Global Phosphorus Cycle
The Global Carbon Cycle
The Global Sulfur Cycle
The Global Nitrogen Cycle
Bring it all together: The Stability of Atmospheric Oxygen
38. Mackenzie, F.T. and J.A. Mackenzie. 1995. Our Changing Planet: An Introduction
to Earth System Science and Global Environmental Change. Prentice Hall, NJ ISBN 0
02 373653 4
Rating: * * +
Notes: Requires no previous coursework in chemistry. A good qualitative summary of
global environmental issues.
Table of Contents:
Historical Framework of Global Environmental Change
Earth’s Lithosphere
Earth’s Atmosphere and Hydrosphere
Earth’s Ecosphere
Biogeochemical Cycles of Carbon, Nutrients, and Oxygen
World Population, Development, Resource Consumption
The Changing Earth Surface: Terrestrial Vegetation
The Changing Earth Surface: Land and Water
The Changing Atmosphere: Acid Deposition and Photochemical
Smog
The Changing Atmosphere: Global Climatic Change
39. O’Neill, P. 1998. Environmental Chemistry. 3rd Edition, Blackie Academic &
Professional (Chapman & Hall) www.finechemistry.com ISBN 0 7514 0483 7
Notes: Prerequisites: First-year chemistry. Excellent major and minor element cycles,
far more extensive that other “nutrient cycle texts”. Contains mass balances figures,
history, and importance for the elements shown in the contents.
Does not contain worked problems in the chapters and does not have end-of-chapter
problems.
Rating: * * * * *
Table of Contents:
Part 1: The Oxygen-Rich Planet
History of the Earth
Oxygen
Part 2: Major Elements Found in Living Matter
Hydrogen
Carbon
Nitrogen
Sulfur
Phosphorus
Part 3: Major Elements in the Earth’s Crust
Silicon
Iron
Aluminium
Calcium and Magnesium
Sodium and Potassium
Part 4: Minor Elements and Environmental Problems
Lead
Mercury
Zinc and Cadmium
Uranium
Radon
Hazardous Organic Compounds
Texts that don’t seem to fit (in the contexts above), but I included them anyway
40. Andrews, J.E., P. Brimblecombe, T.D. Jickells, and P.S. Liss. 1996. An
Introduction to Environmental Chemistry. Blackwell Science, Ltd. Malden, MA ISBN 0
632 03854 3
Rating: * * * ?
Notes: Concise text. This book provides an excellent overview of environmental
chemistry and processes, but I’m not sure where its place lies in college education. In
most cases, it gives a relatively technical account of the topic, too technical for use in a
non-majors course, but not technical enough or extensive enough for a complete course in
environmental chemistry. Could possibly be a used as a supplemental text.
Contains good box illustrations and comparisons, but is not quantitative. No end-ofchapter problems.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Atmosphere
The Terrestrial Environment
The Oceans
Global Change
41. Harte, J. 2000. Consider a Spherical Cow: More Adventures in Environmental
Problem Solving, 2nd Edition, William Kaufman, Inc. Los Altos, CA ISBN 1 891389 17
3
Notes: And Harte means problem solving. Obviously this book is intended for students
in applied mathematics. It contains excellent examples of how useful mathematics is in
understanding and solving problems relating to the environment.
Rating: * * * * (from a mathematics perspective)
Table of Contents: A copy of the new version was unavailable for review.
42. Hemond, H.F. and E. J. Fechner. 1994. Chemical Fate and Transport in the
Environment. Academic Press, NY ISBN 0 12 340270 0
Rating: * * *
Notes: This book gives a very basic introduction to fate and transport modeling with
some emphasis on how chemistry affects the fate of pollutants. It is fairly mathematical,
but appropriate for senior or graduate students in chemistry. It contains good integration
of engineering and chemistry concepts. However, it is basic and is probably not
appropriate for a high-level course in fate and transport modeling.
It contains excellent end-of-the-chapter problems, very quantitative. It does not contain
any in-chapter examples (worked problems).
Table of Contents:
Basic Concepts (used in developing models)
Surface Waters (modeling and chemical concepts affecting
modeling)
The Subsurface Environment (modeling and chemical concepts
affecting modeling)
The Atmosphere (modeling and chemical concepts affecting
modeling)
43. Laws, E.A. 2000. Aquatic Pollution: An Introductory Text. 3rd Edition, John Wiley
& Sons. NY ISBN 0 471 34875 9
Notes: Strong emphasis on pollution of aquatic systems. There is a visible lack of
chemistry and chemical discussions. Perhaps this text is best for a biology course, as the
name implies in “Aquatic Pollution”. The book contains excellent case studies of aquatic
pollution. For the topics listed below this book is an excellent reference. Highly
recommended for the bookshelf.
The end-of-chapter problems are very insightful, but qualitative.
Rating: * * * * (missing one star due to its qualitative approach)
Table of Contents:
Fundamental Concepts
Photosynthesis
Physical Factors Affecting Production
Cultural Eutrophication – Case Studies
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Sewage Treatment
Pathogen in Natural Waters
Toxicology
Industrial Pollution
Pesticides
Thermal Pollution and Power Plants
Metals
Oil Pollution
Radioactivity
Acid Deposition
Groundwater Pollution
Plastics in the Sea
44. Millero, F.J. 2001. The Physical Chemistry of Natural Waters. John Wiley & Sons,
NY ISBN 0 471 36278 6
Rating: * * * *
Notes: This contains real physical chemistry – considerable derivations and theoretical
concepts. Not necessary recommended for environmental chemistry but a good book for
the reference shelf.
Table of Contents:
Basic Thermodynamic Concepts
Basic Kinetic Concepts
Ionic Interactions
Physical Chemical Properties of Natural Waters
Chemical Equilibria in Natural Waters
Estimation of the Thermodynamic Properties of Natural Waters
The Kinetics of Oxidation and Reduction of Metals in Natural
Waters
The Oxidation of Hydrogen Sulfide in Natural Waters
45. Pepper, I.L., C.P. Gerba, and M.L. Brusseau. 1996. Pollution Science. Academic
Press, NY ISBN 0 12 550660 0
Rating: * * * * (uniqueness and summary information)
Notes: Designed for use as a capstone course in environmental science. This book
occupies a unique niche in the field of environmental chemistry. Each chapter is
dedicated to a high visibility topic in environmental science and contains a concise
summary of each topic. It should serve as a valuable summary for each topic, but if used
as a text, in my opinion, it needs to be supplemented with additional lecture material.
Contains a limited number of end-of-chapter problems, but no in-chapter problems.
Table of Contents:
The Extent of Global Pollution
Abiotic Characteristics of Soil
Physical Processes Affecting Atmospheric Pollution
Biotic Activity in Soil and Water
Physical Processes Affecting Contaminant Fate and Transport in
Soil and Water
Chemical Processes Affecting Contaminant Fate and Transport in
Soil and Water
Biological Processes Affecting Contaminant Fate and Transport in
Soil and Water
Statistics in Pollution Science
Environmental Monitoring in Pollution Science
Waste Disposal
Remediation
Atmospheric Pollution
Surface Water Pollution
Agriculture Fertilizers as a Source of Pollution
Sediments (Soil Erosion) as a Source of Pollution
Animal Wastes
Pesticides as a Source of Pollution
Industrial Sources of Pollution
Pathogens in the Environment
Municipal Waste and Drinking Water Treatment
Principles of Toxicology
Risk Assessment
Federal Environmental Regulations and Laws in the United States
Pollution in the Twenty-First Century