Environmental Monitoring and Analysis -Hardcover

Environmental analysis may be defined as the evaluation of natural environment and of damage to it through human and non-human agencies. Thus, environmental analysis involves efficient monitoring of the general environment. This is essential because by this one becomes sure what control measures are required and whether those are in operation have been working. Thus, if one is able to develop a thorough understanding of structural and functional attributes of the environment by involving environmental analysis, one can avoid the impending ecological catastrophes. In recent years, ecological research is not only confined to mere qualitative approach but is more confined to quantitative approach. In order to have a comprehensive evaluation of an ecosystem, it becomes essential to monitor both qualitatively and quantitatively spatial and temporal variations in structural and functional attributes of environment which may be categorized as physical, chemical and biological. The biosphere is defined as the layer of soil, water and air that surrounds the planet Earth along with the living organisms for which it provides support. In the oncoming chapters, an attempt has been made to describe sampling and monitoring methods for various environmental factors such as water, air and soil.