Contents 1 Introductory Aspects

The book focuses on the biogeochemistry of trace elements in arid and semiarid zone soils and includes an introductory chapter on the nature and properties of arid zone soils. It presents an updated overview and a comprehensive coverage of the major aspects of trace elements and heavy metals that are of most concern in the world s arid and semi-arid soils. These include the content and distribution of trace elements in arid soils, their solution chemistry, their solid-phase chemistry, selective sequential dissolution techniques for trace elements in arid soils, the bioavailability of trace elements, and the pollution and remediation of contaminated arid soils. A comprehensive and focused case study on transfer fluxes of trace elements in Israeli arid and semi-arid soils is presented. The book concludes with a discussion of a quantitative global perspective on anthropogenic interferences in the natural trace elements distributions. The elements discussed in this book include Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, Se, Co, B, Mo and others. This book is an excellent reference for students and professionals in the environmental, ecological, agricultural and geological sciences. 

During the past century biochemistry has developed into an important branch of science. We shall not be able in the limited space of the present chapter to give a general survey of this interesting subject, but shall instead have to content ourselves with a simple introductory discussion of a few of its aspects. 

This book is concerned with the chemistry and technology of functional monomers and polymers in terms of new aspects relative to procedures, synthesis, and applicability, as well as up-dating the contents of the first edition, which was published several years ago. After these introductory... 

---