Arsenic Pollution

A Global Synthesis

Ravenscroft, Peter / Brammer, Hugh / Richards, Keith

RGS-IBG Book Series

1. Edition February 2009
618 Pages, Hardcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd

ISBN: 978-1-4051-8602-5

John Wiley & Sons

Wiley Online Library Sample Chapter

Short Description

Arsenic Pollution: A Global Synthesis compiles and summarizes the most up-to-date research on the distribution and causes of arsenic pollution, its impact on health and agriculture, and the encouraging research that offers hope in mitigating this unfolding health crisis. Seamlessly integrating geochemistry, hydrology, and agriculture, the text offers the first truly global and interdisciplinary account of arsenic pollution.

Further versions

Arsenic Pollution compiles and summarises the most up-to-date research on the distribution and causes of arsenic pollution in nature, its impact on health and agriculture, and the encouraging research that offers hope in mitigating this unfolding health crisis. Seamlessly integrating geochemistry, hydrology and agriculture, it offers the first truly global and interdisciplinary account of arsenic pollution. The book provides information on the geographical distribution of arsenic contamination of groundwater and surface water, the geochemical causes of high arsenic concentrations in aquifers and the health implications of prolonged arsenic ingestion. Finally, options are highlighted for developing alternative water sources and methods for arsenic testing and removal.

Comprehensive and illuminating, this book offers informed and challenging insight into an emerging environmental problem with untold human consequences.

List of Figures.

List of Tables.

Series Editors' Preface.

Acknowledgements.

List of Abbreviations.

Glossary.

1. Introduction.

2. Hydrogeochemistry.

3. Hydrogeology.

4. Soils & Agriculture.

5. Health.

6. Water Supply.

7. Water Treatment.

8. Arsenic in Asia.

9. Arsenic in North America and Europe.

10. Arsenic in South America, Africa and Australia.

11. Synthesis, Conclusions and Recommendations.

References.

Index

"This is an excellent book. For those seeking first-time knowledge, as well as those seeking to enhance their existing understanding about arsenic and recent research developments, there is probably no better book currently available." (Geoscientist, September 2009)

"An excellent contribution to the field, and is clear and well written with ample figures and tables, and an extensive bibliography." (Experiment Agriculture, 2009)

Peter Ravenscroft is a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge and a hydrogeologist with extensive international experience in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and Europe. He spent more than 10 years working in Bangladesh, where his involvement in research into the extent and causes of arsenic pollution in that country became the basis for this book. He co-authored the first book on groundwater resources in Bangladesh.

Hugh Brammer spent 22 years with FAO in East Pakistan/Bangladesh, first as a soil surveyor then as an agricultural development adviser. Following retirement, he was a visiting consultant for a further seven years, inter alia for the Bangladesh Flood Action Plan, and wrote seven books on Bangladesh's physical environment and agriculture.

Keith Richards is a fluvial geomorphologist and Professor of Geography at the University of Cambridge. He has research interests and experience in catchment and river processes and their management in Europe, Central America, India, Africa and China, and has been Director of the Scott Polar Research Institute and a Vice President (Research) of the RGS-IBG. He has authored and edited several books, and published over 150 academic papers.

P. Ravenscroft, University of Cambridge, UK; H. Brammer, Formerly Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; K. Richards, University of Cambridge, UK