The discussion on arsenic in the environment is complex and must grasp the importance of very many, mostly unrelated works on individual aspects. This volume represents one of the first comprehensive and interdisciplinary examinations into arsenic's behaviour in air, water, soils, sediments, plants and the human body. Based on state-of-the-art investigations into the global arsenic cycle, the related human toxicology and available remediation technologies, arsenic is assessed holistically in all the environmental compartments. Using the results of primary research, the authors offer concrete suggestions for risk reduction and management of environmental pollution that allow the reader to successfully tackle similar problems and find sustainable solutions. The book consists of three essential parts:

1. Review of the current knowledge of arsenic behaviour in the environment (global biogeochemical cycles), toxicology, remediation techniques, immobilization technologies and environmental legislation
2. Case studies for mining-related arsenic problems
3. Discussion of mitigation and remediation technologies and approaches such as environmental education, hygiene training, backed by real experience and successful implementation in the study area

In a highly coherent manner, the book makes use of 120 tables and figures, a large number of literature citations, and very detailed subject index (that encompasses references) to provide rapid and up-to-date access to all relevant information. Cross-references provide a great manoeuvrability between the chapters.

The book delivers very insightful and hands-on approaches for graduate students and professionals working on arsenic questions not only in environmental science, but also in the fields of environmental engineering, medicine and social science.

Jörg Matschullat graduated as Geologist (B.Sc.) from the Technical University of Clausthal, received his Masters Degree (Dipl. Geol.) from the University of Tübingen, and Dr. rer. nat. in geology and geochemistry from the University of Göttingen. He performed Post-Doctorates at the universities of Clausthal and Heidelberg, Germany. As of 1999, Jörg is full professor of geochemistry and geoecology at the Technical University Bergakademie Freiberg, Director of its Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Centre (IÖZ), and Dean of the Faculty of Geosciences, Geoengineering and Mining of TU Bergakademie Freiberg. his areas of interest are: atmospheric and climate science, environmental geochemistry and earth system science.

Eleonora Deschamps graduated as Chemical Engineer (B.Sc.) from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) in Belo Horizonte, Brazil and received an Engineering Degree (Dipl.-Ing./M.Sc.) from the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) in Aachen, Germany. She received her Doctoral Degree (PhD) in metallurgic engineering from the College of Engineering at UFMG. Today, Eleonora is professor at the FUMEC University Center of Environmental Engineering, and works as manager of the Division for Industrial Solid Waste at the FEAM Department for Industrial processes and Environmental Analysis, Belo Horizonte. Her areas of competence are: ore treatment, environmental geochemistry, controlled waste disposal, licencing and control of mining activities and chemical industry.