Environmental Chemistry in Society

James M. Beard, Ph.D., earned a BA in chemistry from Manchester College (now Manchester University) in 1965 and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Stanford University in 1969. After two years of teaching chemistry at Manchester College, he pursued a career as a clinical chemist. During the next 12 years, Dr. Beard worked as a product developer, quality control consultant, and administrator in both hospital and industry settings. Since 1988, Dr. Beard has been a member of the faculty at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, where he is a professor of chemistry. Dr. Beard’s major interest at Catawba has been in environmental chemical education.

Background to the Environmental Problem
Preagricultural Development
Horticulture and Agriculture
Development of Towns and Cities
Industrial Revolution, Phase I (Approximately 1760–1860)
Industrial Revolution, Phase II (Approximately 1860–1950)
Science and the Scientific Method
Science and Technology
Science and the Environment
Environment and Public Policy

The Natural Laws
Matter
Early Development of Chemistry
Lavoisier and the Law of Conservation of Matter
Disorder
Work and Energy
First Law of Thermodynamics
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Matter, Energy, and the Environment

Underlying Principles of Chemistry
Atomic Theory
Periodic Law
Mole
Symbols, Formulas, and Equations
Chemical Bonding

Types of Chemical Compounds and Their Reactions
Acids and Bases
Precipitation Reactions
Oxidation–Reduction
Organic Chemistry
Nuclear Chemistry

Element Cycles
Compartments
Carbon Cycle
Oxygen Cycle
Hydrogen Cycle
Nitrogen Cycle
Phosphorus Cycle
Sulfur Cycle
Other Cycles

Toxicology
History of Toxicology
Environmental Toxicology
Toxicity Measurements
Routes of Exposure
Classification of Toxins
Respiratory Toxins
Rates of Chemical Reactions, Catalysis, and Enzymes
General Metabolic Toxins
Neurotoxins
Endocrine Toxins
Allergens
Carcinogens
Mutagens
Teratogens
Environmental Degradation of Toxins
Environmental Movement of Toxins

Energy and Modern Society
Energy Sources
Electricity
Widely Used Energy Sources
Nuclear Power
Biomass
Emerging Energy Sources
Hydrogen as Fuel
Energy Conservation

Weather and Climate
Atmosphere: Composition, Structure, and Dynamics
Water Cycle
Weather
Climate

Air Pollution
Classical Air Pollution
Industrial Smog
Photochemical Smog
Regionalization of Air Pollution
Air Pollution and the Law
Pollution Reduction

Air Inside
Some Background on Indoor Air Quality
Classification of Indoor Air Contaminants
Remedies for Indoor Air Contamination

Global Atmospheric Change
Gases as Insulators: Greenhouse Effect
Global Warming: Concept
Is Global Warming Important?
Global Warming: Effects
International Agreements on Global Warming
Chemistry of the Stratosphere: Ozone Layer
Importance of Ozone Layer
Ozone Depletion and Chlorofluorocarbons
National and International Response to Ozone Depletion

Water
Physical Properties of Water
Water and Life
Locations of Water
Types of Water Use
Freshwater Shortages
Problems from Overuse of Groundwater
Water Shortage Solutions

Water Pollution
Nature and Sources of Water Pollution
Types of Water Pollutants
Pollution of Surface Water
Pollution of the Oceans
Pollution of Groundwater
Water Pollution Control

Solid Wastes
Sources of Solid Wastes
Composition of Domestic Solid Waste
Solid Waste Disposition

Hazardous Wastes
What Are Hazardous Wastes?
Where Do Hazardous Wastes Come From?
Historical and Traditional Approaches to Hazardous Waste Disposal
Current Practices in Hazardous Waste Management
Special Considerations for Radioactive Wastes

Glossary
Index