Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill
Author: C. Herb Ward
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 917
Release: 2017-06-26
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1493934473

This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 2.5 license. The Gulf of Mexico is an open and dynamic marine ecosystem rich in natural resources but heavily impacted by human activities, including agricultural, industrial, commercial and coastal development. The Gulf of Mexico has been continuously exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons for millions of years from natural oil and gas seeps on the sea floor, and more recently from oil drilling and production activities located in the water near and far from shore. Major accidental oil spills in the Gulf are infrequent; two of the most significant include the Ixtoc I blowout in the Bay of Campeche in 1979 and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Unfortunately, baseline assessments of the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before these spills either were not available, or the data had not been systematically compiled in a way that would help scientists assess the potential short-term and long-term effects of such events. This 2-volume series compiles and summarizes thousands of data sets showing the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Volume 1 covers: water and sediment quality and contaminants in the Gulf; natural oil and gas seeps in the Gulf of Mexico; coastal habitats, including flora and fauna and coastal geology; offshore benthos and plankton, with an analysis of current knowledge on energy capture and energy flows in the Gulf; and shellfish and finfish resources that provide the basis for commercial and recreational fisheries.

EPA's 2008 Report on the Environment

EPA's 2008 Report on the Environment
Author:
Publisher:
Total Pages: 372
Release: 2008
Genre: Environmental management
ISBN:

[The report]... provides the American people with an important resource from which they can better understand trends in the condition of the air, water, land, and human health of the United States. This report uses scientifically sound measures, called indicators, to address fundamental questions relevant to the EPA's mission to protect the environment and human health. To accomplish its mission to protect human health and the environment, EPA must pay close attention to trends in the condition of the Nation's environment. This kind of information, which is captured in EPA's 2008 ROE, can help EPA to prioritize its work and to focus on human health and ecological activities that can lead to improvements in the conditions of the Nation's environment.

The Science of Water

The Science of Water
Author: Frank R. Spellman
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 637
Release: 2020-10-05
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1000192636

The Science of Water: Concepts and Applications, Fourth Edition, contains a wealth of scientific information and is based on real-world experience. Building on the third edition, this text applies the latest data and research in the field and addresses water contamination as a growing problem. The book material covers a wide range of water contaminants and the cause of these contaminants and considers their impact on surface water and groundwater sources. It also explores sustainability and the effects of human use, misuse, and reuse of freshwater and wastewater on the overall water supply. Provides Valuable Insight for Water/Wastewater Practitioners Designed to fill a gap in the available material about water, the book examines water reserve utilization and the role of policymakers involved in the decision-making process. The book provides practical knowledge that practitioners and operators must have in order to pass licensure/certification tests and keep up with relevant changes. It also updates all previous chapters, presents numerous example math problems, and provides information not covered in earlier editions. Features: Is updated throughout and adds new problems, tables, and figures Includes new coverage on persistent chemicals in drinking water and the latest techniques in converting treated wastewater to safe drinking water Provides updated information on pertinent regulations dealing with important aspects of water supply and treatment The Science of Water: Concepts and Applications, Fourth Edition, serves a varied audience—it can be utilized by water/wastewater practitioners, as well as students, lay personnel, regulators, technical experts, attorneys, business leaders, and concerned citizens.