Basic Concepts of Environmental Chemistry, 2nd Edition. Des W. Connell. 2005. Taylor and Francis/CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. 462 pp. $79.95 cloth.

Over the years, there have been many excellent environmental chemistry texts written; however, due to the dynamic nature of this field, the entrance of a more current and timely text is always welcomed. There are essentially two types of scientific texts. The first type is an objective assessment of the scientific field that focuses on the essential information and concepts needed to rigorously assess a situation. The second type presents a slightly biased perspective, which perhaps could lead the reader to preclude an assessment away from the full spectrum of possible conclusions; it is important that authors be ever vigilant of the latter. For example, science has determined that the major reasons for pollution and environmental impairment are due both to Mother Nature (volcanic action, hurricanes, floods, forest fires, etc.) and societal needs (such as transportation related emissions, air conditioning power demands, higher lifestyle requirements, etc.). Industry is not the culprit it once was, and what impairment it creates is now attributed to increased societal demands. The initial impression I received from this text, however, is that industry is more of a major culprit than a segment of the whole problem.