Providing a comprehensive introduction to environmental chemistry, this volume presents an excellent overview of the important chemical aspects of pollution occurring in the atmosphere, in water and in soil. Presented in the book are: * commonly known harmful substances, such as carbon monoxide, heavy metals, and sulfur dioxide * toxins in food and basic consumer goods * radioisotopes such as plutonium and uranium It contains many examples and solutions to practical environmental problems such as pollution via foodstuffs, pesticides and detergents, showing their relation to biochemical processes, toxicology, climate, ecological aspects and other adjacent sciences. The range of topics covered in this book ensures it will be indispensable not only to students of chemistry but also for all those interested in the chemical principles of environmental pollutants.