The Fate and Effects of Oil in Freshwater

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xii

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2. Introduction

   • M. W. Trett

   Pages 1-10

3. Composition, Sources and Source Identification of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and their Residues

   • R. A. Gill, P. W. J. Robotham

   Pages 11-40

4. Input, Behaviour and Fates of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

   • P. W. J. Robotham, R. A. Gill

   Pages 41-79

5. Biological and Ecological Effects of Oils

   • S. Shales, B. A. Thake, B. Frankland, D. H. Khan, J. D. Hutchinson, C. F. Mason

   Pages 81-171

6. Biological and Ecological Effects of Dispersants

   • M. W. Trett, S. Shales, B. A. Thake, B. Frankland, D. H. Khan, J. D. Hutchinson et al.

   Pages 173-195

7. Biodegradation of Oil in Freshwaters

   • M. Brown

   Pages 197-213

8. Clean-Up Technology

   • M. Brown

   Pages 215-226

9. Restoration and Recovery

   • J. D. Hutchinson

   Pages 227-257

10. Summary and Conclusions

    • M. W. Trett, J. D. Hutchinson, C. F. Mason, B. Frankland, D. H. Khan, S. Shales

    Pages 259-277

11. Back Matter

    Pages 279-338

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Freshwater is a most precious natural resource. To the developed world, refreshing, untainted water is presumed from the taps of millions of householders. The many rivers, streams, ponds and lakes are for the pleasure and enjoyment of the leisure hours of urban dweller and rural inhabitant alike-boating, fishing, sailing and swimming come readily to mind. To the agriculturalist and industrialist it is often the cornerstone of their enterprises. To the environmentalist and naturalist it is the basis of the wetland and open water communities which provide the habitats for a wealth of flora and fauna. In the developing world the emphasis is very different. A spring, well, river or swamp is the basis of day-to-day survival for family, livestock and crops. Subsistence fishing is often the major source of protein. Freshwater may be the unwitting purveyor of disease but with good management this can be regulated and monitored. But Man by nature, is a selfish species who tends to have scant regard for the quality of life of future generations. The much publicised destruction of forests is a notorious example. Not so well-known is the pressure on one of the world's most fragile ecosystems, the wetlands.

• biodegradation
• degradation
• ecosystem
• environment
• residue
• residues
• ecotoxicology
• terrestrial pollution

• Centre for Research in Aquatic Biology, University of London, UK

  J. Green, M. W. Trett

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