Main description:

This book offers comprehensive coverage of trace elements in arid zone regions. It begins by introducing the nature and properties of arid zone soil, followed by coverage of the major aspects of the trace elements and heavy metals of most concern in the world's arid and semi-arid soils. A comprehensive, focused case study on transfer fluxes of trace elements in Israeli arid soils is used to illustrate the themes presented in the book.

Contents:

Dedication.- List of Figures.- List of Tables.- Preface.- SECTION I: Introduction on arid zone soil: Arid zone soils: Nature and properties. SECTION II: Biogeochemistry of trace elements in arid environments: Trace element distribution in arid zone soils.- Solution chemistry of trace elements in arid zone soils.- Selective sequential dissolution for trace elements in arid zone soils.- Binding and distribution of trace elements among solid-phase components in arid zone soils.- Transfer fluxes of trace elements in arid zone soils - a case study: Israeli arid soils.- Bioavailability of trace elements in arid zone soils.- Trace element pollution in arid zone soils.- Global perspectives of anthropogenic interferences in the natural trace element distribution: Industrial age inputs of trace elements into the pedosphere.- References.- Index.