This introductory text explains the fundamentals of the chemistry of the natural environment and the effects of mankind's activities on the earth's chemical systems.

• Retains an emphasis on describing how natural geochemical processes operate over a variety of scales in time and space, and how the effects of human perturbation can be measured.


• Topics range from familiar global issues such as atmospheric pollution and its effect on global warming and ozone destruction, to microbiological processes that cause pollution of drinking water deltas.


• Contains sections and information boxes that explain the basic chemistry underpinning the subject covered.


• Each chapter contains a list of further reading on the subject area. Updated case studies.


• No prior chemistry knowledge required.


• Suitable for introductory level courses.