Introduction to Environmental Forensics

Introduction to Environmental Forensics is the most complete text available that describes the scientific basis of this relatively new and exciting field. It provides the reader with techniques for identifying the source of a contaminant release, when the release occurred and the extent of human exposure. Prepared by leading international scientific experts this book provides detailed information on how chemical and isotope measurements, historical documents, aerial photogrammetry, contaminant modeling and statistical analysis can be combined to extract forensic information. Introduction to Environmental Forensics includes chemical "fingerprinting" techniques applicable to ground water, soils, sediments and air - as well as a special in-depth look at scientific techniques for petroleum hydrocarbons, including gasoline additives such as alkyl leads, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and chlorinated solvents. This book contains necessary information for the practicing environmental forensics expert, ranging from basic statistical methods to state-of-the-art methods such as gas chromatography-combustion-isotope ratio mass spectrometry and polytopic vector analysis. Numerous examples and case studies are provided to illustrate how these methods are actually applied and considerations are given for their appropriate use. Sources of potential bias and misapplication of these techniques are also shared with the reader. Introduction to Environmental Forensics provides the environmental scientist, engineer and attorney with a complete toolbox for conducting forensic investigations. Because of the multidisciplinary approach, even experienced practitioners including chemists, hydrogeologists, soil scientists, statisticians and air modelers will find this information of value. Practicing environmental attorneys can benefit from this book by understanding the range of scientific analysis that is available to answer questions concerning environmental liability since often an argument can be supported by several independent techniques. Environmental Forensics also provides suggestions for critically reviewing forensic techniques relative to the original purpose for which the information was collected regardless of the contaminant or matrix.Brian L. Murphy is the author of 'Introduction to Environmental Forensics', published 2001 under ISBN 9780125113557 and ISBN 0125113552.