Bøger i NATO Science Partnership Sub-S serien

Biodegradation is the dominant pathway for the environmental transformation of most chemicals and information on a chemical's biodegradability is essential for proper risk assessment. But there are few methods for predicting whether or not a chemical is biodegradable, since this depends on the chemical's structure as well as on the environmental conditions that it encounters. The present book deals with quantitative structure-biodegradability relationship models (QSBRs), emphasizing the biological and ecological part of the biodegradation process. Surveys are given of the microbial aspects of biodegradation and the methods available for testing biodegradability. New trends and methods in biodegradation modelling are reviewed, including contributions on computerized biodegradability prediction systems. Some of the newly developed models for assessing risk and ecological impact in aquatic and terrestrial environments have been validated, and this process is discussed. Audience: Scientists active in microbiology, the environmental sciences, biotechnology and bioremediation. Policy makers will find the book indispensable in assessing the present state of the art on the biodegradability of substances.

There have been major changes in the heat content and ice cover of the Arctic Ocean since 1990. Year after year, this observational evidence underscores the likelihood that predictions of global climatic effects will turn out to be true. Changes in the freshwater flow from the Arctic Ocean may have very significant consequences for humanity, including those alive today. It is vital that we develop the capability to predict the magnitude of such effects with far greater certainty, as well as the probability of their occurrence within a giver time frame. To do so, we need the internationally organised commitment of scientific labour and funding. This book has been written by many of the world's most knowledgable polar oceanographers, meteorologists and hydrologists, takes full account of the latest results and discusses their significance. It draws together assessments by many specialists to present an integrated view of possible future changes in the climate of the Northern hemisphere.

The largest workshop ever held has produced the most comprehensive review of Radio Frequency Dosimetry and Bioeffects available. Over 80 of the world's leading scientists and technical experts from nine NATO countries and six NATO Partner for Peace countries, and others, review the state of the art in radio frequency radiation dosimetry, measurements and the relationship between SAR, power density and the biological effects of the electromagnetic fields.

Water is a key natural resource, the modelling and management of which is made complex by its inherent spatial unevenness and temporal variability. Stochastic modelling and forecasting cannot at present adequately represent the characteristics of hydrological regimes, nor analyze the influence of water on processes that arise in biological systems and those involving hydrological, geophysical and other processes. This book presents discussions of new stochastic modelling approaches against the requirement of sustainable development in an environment that is changing due to human influence. A major challenge is to consider the effects of a changing climate and ecological impacts when developing modelling and risk assessment procedures in support of river basin management.