Applications of radioactive and stable isotopes have revolutionized our understanding of the Earth and near-earth surface processes. The utility of the isotopes are ever-increasing and our sole focus is to bring out the applications of these isotopes as tracers and chronometers to a wider audience so that they can be used as powerful tools to solve environmental problems. New developments in this field remain mostly in peer-reviewed journal articles and hence our goal is to synthesize these findings for easy reference for students, faculty, regulators in governmental and non-governmental agencies, and environmental companies. While this volume maintains its rigor in terms of its depth of knowledge and quantitative information, it contains the breadth needed for wide variety problems and applications in the environmental sciences. This volume presents all of the newer and older applications of isotopes pertaining to the environmental problems in one place that is readily accessible to readers. This book not only has the depth and rigor that is needed for academia, but it has the breadth and case studies to illustrate the utility of the isotopes in a wide variety of environments (atmosphere, oceans, lakes, rivers and streams, terrestrial environments, and sub-surface environments) and serves a large audience, from students and researchers, regulators in federal, state and local governments, and environmental companies.

Groundwater is an increasingly important resource to human populations around the world, and the study and protection of groundwater is an essential part of hydrogeology - the subset of hydrology that concentrates on the subsurface. Environmental isotopes, naturally occurring nuclides in water and solutes, have become fundamental tools for tracing

Handbook of Environmental Isotope Geochemistry, Volume 2: The Terrestrial Environment, B focuses on the processes, methodologies, principles, and approaches involved in isotope geochemistry. The selection first elaborates on mathematical models for the interpretation of environmental radioisotopes in groundwater systems; isotopes in cloud physics; and environmental isotopes in lake studies. Discussions focus on water balance studies of lakes, isotopic fractionations during evaporation of water, study of hailstone growth mechanisms by means of isotopic analyses, isotopic effects during growth of individual elements, and models and their hydrological significance. The text then takes a look at environmental isotope and anthropogenic tracers of lake sedimentation; stable isotope geochemistry of travertines; and isotope geochemistry of carbonates in the weathering zone. Topics include isotopic composition of carbonates in the weathering zone; reprecipitation processes in the weathering zone; isotopic composition of carbon and oxygen sources in the weathering zone; and geochemical conditions controlling travertine deposition. The manuscript also reviews radioactive noble gases in the terrestrial environment, isotope effects of nitrogen in the soil and biosphere, and oxygen and hydrogen isotope geochemistry of deep basin brines. The selection is a vital source of data for researchers interested in isotope geochemistry.

The Handbook of Environmental Isotope Geochemistry comprises a series of books, each focussing on a selected environment, presenting in-depth reviews of all relevant studies and results obtained in specific research areas. Theoretical aspects as well as practical applications of isotope techniques are treated and extensive bibliographies are included. The handbook will cover the terrestrial, marine, and high temperature environments, and all will undoubtedly be welcomed by geologists, geochemists, hydrologists, climatologists and soil scientists. The complete Handbook will thus provide a valuable overview of the whole field of environmental isotope geochemistry, and will be suitable for graduate level instruction in isotope geology. Individual volumes will also be a valuable aid to study in hydrogeology, oceanography, economic geology, Quaternary geology and igneous metamorphic petrology.

This book represents a new "earth systems" approach to catchments that encompasses the physical and biogeochemical interactions that control the hydrology and biogeochemistry of the system. The text provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamentals of catchment hydrology, principles of isotope geochemistry, and the isotope variability in the hydrologic cycle -- but the main focus of the book is on case studies in isotope hydrology and isotope geochemistry that explore the applications of isotope techniques for investigating modern environmental problems. Isotope Tracers in Catchment Hydrology is the first synthesis of physical hydrology and isotope geochemistry with catchment focus, and is a valuable reference for professionals and students alike in the fields of hydrology, hydrochemistry, and environmental science. This important interdisciplinary text provides extensive guidelines for the application of isotope techniques for all investigatores facing the challenge of protecting precious water, soil, and ecological resources from the ever-increasing problems associated with population growth and environmental change, including those from urban development and agricultural land uses.

Ground water serves as the main source of drinking water for 50% of the United States as a whole—and for 97% of rural populations, in particular. In addition to public concern with point sources of contamination, such as landfills and hazardous waste disposal sites, current attention has now come to focus on the overall quality of ground-water resources. Regional Ground-Water Quality offers the first detailed guidance for conducting ground-water quality investigations in a regional context. This exceptional volume combines hydrogeologic and geochemical principles, as well as statistical principles, within a unique conceptual framework that helps readers produce efficient, meaningful, and successful ground-water assessments. Regional Ground-Water Quality will be a valuable resource when first approaching a regional-scale study and when designing specific regional-scale studies. Throughout the book, topics emphasize the value of studying regional ground-water quality at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Up-to-date coverage of essential processes and methodologies includes: multi-scale design concepts for regional ground-water quality studies the fate and transport of organic and inorganic materials, including nitrates, pesticides, pathogens, acid precipitation, natural radionuclides, saltwater intrusion, and problems in karst aquifers basic concepts of organic and inorganic chemistry a review of environmental isotopes and geochemical modeling statistical concepts for ground-water quality surveys and geostatistical analysis the effects of surface-water/ground-water interactions on ground-water quality the relationship between ground-water quality and land use regional geochemistry principles Readers will be brought completely up to date with the latest research in ground-water assessments, such as novel methods for dating young ground water, including the use of CFCs, tritium/helium-3, and krypton-85. The book also examines the uses of organic compounds as time and source markers, ground-water vulnerability analyses, applications of subsurface microbiology at the regional scale, and design of well-water surveys. Invaluable case studies drawn from international projects graphically demonstrate concepts discussed in the book. These case studies describe successful regional ground-water assessment efforts conducted in various areas and include a look at the uses and limitations of existing ground-water quality data. A first-of-its-kind resource, Regional Ground-Water Quality will be essential reading for scientists and engineers in hydrology, water resources, agricultural sciences, and environmental sciences. It will also be of interest to engineers and R&D personnel in government, industry, and private consulting, as well as to professionals involved with the design and interpretation of studies.

Geochemical Processes, Weathering and Groundwater Recharge in Catchments is a specialist book concerned with the natural processes taking place where water interacts with minerals and organic matter at the earth’s surface, in soils or within aquifers. It focuses on the all important interface between the hydrological and geochemical cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, and is thus particularly relevant to understanding the environment. The book is intended primarily as a reference text for graduate students in Earth Sciences, Hydrology or Environmental Sciences, but will be a useful introduction to those studying Chemistry, Biology or Forestry Studies. Geochemical Processes, Weathering and Groundwater Recharge in Catchments presents an overview of the current status of knowledge of catchment studies, with an outline of the challenges of future research. .

This book highlights recent efforts to sustain agricultural productivity in Tunisia under a stressed environment and aridity conditions. This book's authors gathered a unique set of applications and approaches, including techniques applied to increase yield and preserve the environment, such as organic farming and using biochar amendment and its effects on soils' physicochemical properties. This book also presents water resources management and water management practices for sustainable soil production, diagnosis, and new farming technologies to enhance water-use efficiency. The book also addresses current livestock strategies intended to maintain production sustainability, increase fish productivity, and initiatives for sustainable tourism development. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for policy planners, decision-makers, stakeholders, researchers, and graduate students in Tunisia and neighboring countries with similarly stressed environmental conditions.

Geophysics and Geochemistry is a component of Encyclopedia of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in the global Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS), which is an integrated compendium of twenty one Encyclopedias. Geophysics and Geochemistry are two closely intertwined and collaborating branches of Earth’s sciences. The content of the Theme on Geophysics and Geochemistry is organized with state-of-the-art presentations covering eight main topics: Foundations of Geophysics and Geochemistry; Geophysical Systems; Seismology and Volcanology; Geomagnetism and Geoelectricity; Aeronomy and Magnetosphere; Gravimetry; Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry; Planetology – Comparative Planetology of Earth-like Planets and Astrobiology which are then expanded into multiple subtopics, each as a chapter. These three volumes are aimed at the following a wide spectrum of audiences from the merely curious to those seeking in-depth knowledge: University and College students Educators, Professional practitioners, Research personnel and Policy analysts, managers, and decision makers and NGOs.