River Pollution: An Ecological Perspective

The introduction of pollutants can have disastrous consequences for the delicate and complex ecosystems that are supported in freshwater rivers and streams. Dr Haslam, a distinguished plant scientist, presents a systematic and thorough analysis of the biological impact of pollution throughout the system, and discusses the methods of measuring and monitoring pollution damage. The focus is on plant communities in temperate watercourses but evidence from other biota is introduced as necessary. Pollution is defined in the broadest sense, and consideration is paid not only to the impact of industrial and domestic effluents, but also the results of other human activities, including river improvement, recreation activities, silting, wildlife management and agriculture. Throughout the emphasis is on understanding the functioning of the watercourse ecosystems and the implications for management by intelligent conservation methods. The book is heavily illustrated with photographs and line drawings, many produced especially for this book.