This volume contains a selection of papers presented to the Fourth Internation~l Symposium on Environmental Biogeochemistry (ISEB), and a conference on Biogeochemistry in Relation to Mining Industry and Environmental Pollution (Leaching Conference), held in Canberra, Aust ralia on August 26-31 and September 3-4, 1979, respectively. The ISEB were established to provide "a forum for uninhibited exchange of information and ideas among the biological, chemical, atmospheric and geolorical scientists working in the common area of biogeochemistry, encompassing soil and other earth sciences as well as the hydrosphere and atmosphere", By linking the fourth ISEB with the Leachin~ Conference the scope of discussions was extended to encompass the application of biogeochemical processes to the mining industry. This wide-ranging philosophy is reflected in the breadth and diversity of the subjects covered in this book. The published papers are expanded versions of those presented at the meetings. They have all been scrutinized by at least one referee in addition to the editors. About 20% of the contributions to the meetings are not included, either because authors did not wish to publish or because the papers were not accepted by the editors.

This state-of-the-art volume represents the first comprehensively written book which focuses on the new field of biosorption. This fascinating work conveys essential fundamental information and outlines the perspectives of biosorption. It summarizes the metal-sorbing properties of nonliving bacterial, fungal, and algal biomass, plus highlights relevant metal-binding mechanisms. This volume also discusses the aspects of obtaining and processing microbial biomass and metal-chelating chemicals into industrially applicable biosorbent products. Microbiologists, chemists, and engineers with an interest in new technological and scientific horizons will find this reference indispensable.

Modern Biogeochemistry is aimed to generalize modern ideas of biogeochemical developments during the last decades. It is designed to support a general course in biogeochemistry, and as such, is likely to have a broad market among the many universities and colleges that are adding such courses to their curricula. This book aims to supplement the existing textbooks by providing modern understanding of biogeochemistry, from evolutionary biogeochemistry to practical applications of biogeochemical ideas such as human biogeochemistry, biogeochemical standards and biogeochemical technologies. To a certain extent this textbook is a summary of both scientific results of various authors and classes in biogeochemistry, that have been given to students by authors during the last 5 to 10 years at different universities throughout the world such as Cornell, Moscow, Seoul and Bangkok. Biogeochemistry is becoming an increasingly popular subject for graduate and postgraduate education. Courses in ecology, geography, biology, chemistry, environmental science, public health and environmental engineering all tend to have a biogeochemical component in their syllabuses to a greater or lesser extent.

Environmental Chemistry is a relatively young science. Interest in this subject, however, is growing very rapidly and, although no agreement has been reached as yet about the exact content and limits of this interdisciplinary discipline, there appears to be increasing interest in seeing environmental topics which are based on chemistry embodied in this subject. One of the first objectives of Environmental Chemistry must be the study of the environment and of natural chemical processes which occur in the environment. A major purpose of this series on Environmental Chemistry, therefore, is to present a reasonably uniform view of various aspects of the chemistry of the environment and chemical reactions occurring in the environment. The industrial activities of man have given a new dimension to Environmental Chemistry. We have now synthesized and described over five million chemical compounds and chemical industry produces about hundred and fifty million tons of synthetic chemicals annually. We ship billions of tons of oil per year and through mining operations and other geophysical modifications, large quantities of inorganic and organic materials are released from their natural deposits. Cities and metropolitan areas ofup to 15 million inhabitants produce large quantities of waste in relatively small and confined areas. Much of the chemical products and waste products of modern society are released into the environment either during production, storage, transport, use or ultimate disposal. These released materials participate in natural cycles and reactions and frequently lead to interference and disturbance of natural systems.

Fungi play important roles in the cycling of elements in the biosphere but are frequently neglected within microbiological and geochemical research spheres. Symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi are responsible for major transformations and redistribution of inorganic nutrients, while free-living fungi have major roles in the decomposition of organic materials, including xenobiotics. Fungi are also major biodeterioration agents of stone, wood, plaster, cement and other building materials, and are important components of rock-inhabiting microbial communities. The aim of this book is to promote further understanding of the key roles that free-living and symbiotic fungi (in mycorrhizas and lichens) play in the biogeochemical cycling of elements, the chemical and biological mechanisms that are involved, and their environmental and biotechnological significance. Where appropriate, relationships with bacteria are also discussed to highlight the dynamic interactions that can exist between these major microbial groups and their integrated function in several kinds of habitat.

The present volume was conceived as a companion to 'Antarctic Oasis: Terrestrial environments and history of the Vestfold Hills' edited by J. Pickard and published in 1986 by Academic Press, Sydney. Pickard's book contains accounts of the Vestfold Hills' climate (N. A. Streten) and recent geomorphological history (D. A. Adamson & J. Pickard) which provide a valuable context for understanding their present day biology. Pickard also gives a history of human discovery and occupation of the Vest fold Hills. There is some overlap in the coverage, to the extent that both this volume and Pickard's book describe the terrestrial flora and fauna. The reader specifically interested in the terrestrial ecosystems of the Vestfold Hills should draw from both sources. Together, these works present a broad and descriptive account of the largest truly coastal antarctic oasis: a region that holds a unique variety of opportunities for future scientific investigation. There are several tasks I wish to accomplish here, apart from expressing my sincere thanks to the many people who have contributed to the completion of this volume. I wish to briefly introduce the Vestfolds and to list some of the features that, in my opinion, make them biologically varied, and unique in the context of other coastal ice-free areas. I wish to describe the phases of biological research in this region, including the directions that have been pursued since the 1984 symposium and to comment upon the future of the Vestfold Hills.

The Fifth International Biomineralization Symposium was held in May 1986 at The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas. The chosen theme was the origin, evolution and modern aspects of biomineralization in plants and animals. Thus, the symposium was designed to bring together experts in ocean and atmospheric chemistry, geochemistry, paleontology, biology, medicine and related fields to share accumulated knowledge and to broaden research horizons. The contents of this volume reflect the diversified interests and views of contributors from these fields. Topics range from contrasting views of the origin of ocean chemistry, the cause or causes for the biomineralization among plants and animals, the evolution of style and structure of biomineralization, and the role of inorganic and organic compounds in biomineraliza tion. It was clear from those gathered in Arlington that the efforts of all researchers in any aspect of biomineralization can be strengthened and extended by greater exposure to the work of others in allied fields. At the time of this printing, several collaborative efforts have grown from interest and contacts developed during the symposium. Rex E. Crick viii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The symposium would not have occurred with the financial support of The Organized Research Fund of The University of Texas at Arlington and The Sea Grant Program administered by Texas A & M University. The staff of the Department of Geology of The University of Texas at Arlington were largely responsible for providing a pleasant atmosphere for learning.

Selection of papers from the IGCP Project 157 and 160 meeting at the Univ. Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, 11-14 Jan. 1982

There is an intuitive belief among scientists that each estuary or lagoon is unique and different. Similarities do exist, however, and this book attempts to highlight some common properties and perhaps some innovative views on biogeochemical processes, and biological fluxes which are of central concern in the understanding of the land-sea boundary. The contents are based upon lectures given at a Seminar organised as the scientific component of the 17th General Meeting of SCOR, held at the Station Biologique de Roscoff, France, on 22-24 October 1984. The original lectures have been substantially extended and revised in order to give a fuller treatment of the subject. The contributions identify important processes influencing (I) Behaviour of chemical species, (II) Nutrient cycling and mechanisms of organic transformations and (III) Uptake of trace elements by living systems. The connection between terrestrial and oceanic systems is a functional one and the consequences of this linkage on the very large variety of coastal systems are profound. It is widely recognized that many of the major processes which influence the biological properties and chemical forms of elements, and their biogeochemical cycles in the ocean occur at the land-sea boundary, especially in estuaries, coastal lagoons, the coastline and the shelf. Over 80% of living systems and their fisheries take place in near shore waters and the consequential production of organic matter produced triggers off the high level of activity. Over the last fifteen years, there has been considerable stimulus to provide framework to evaluate the interactions and effects of human activities. The rich assemblage of tables and figures and of literature citations contained in the chapters provides an excellent basis for in-depth investigations.Oceanographers, limnologists, aquatic chemists, marine biologists, and environmental specialists will find this book highly valuable reading for advanced research and training purposes.