All four authors of this book are involved in teaching and/or research in environmental science and ecology. In the course of this work, we have found no shortage of advanced books in specialised aspects of our subject, and the availability of teaching texts on specific aspects of environmental chemistry has improved markedly in recent years. There does, however, in our view continue to be a need for a basic book covering the chemistry necessary to comprehend more specialised books on chemical aspects of environmental science and ecology. This book is intended to fulfil that need.

In preparing the book, we have been struck by the enormous range of aspects of chemistry which are involved in studying the environment; all major branches of the subject are involved to some degree. This has made our task more difficult and explains the involvement of such a large band of authors, needed to give expert coverage to all the topics included. Although specific individuals have prepared first drafts of whole or part chapters, these have been reviewed by all other authors, and the finished work is a group effort.

The book is not aimed at specialist chemists, although we hope that they may find some of the more applied material useful. Rather, it is aimed at students specialising in environmental science or ecology, and requiring a grounding in basic chemical concepts to make chemical aspects of their studies accessible.