Rationale for the book
Environmental Mineralogy is a rapidly expanding field that draws upon the classical techniques and aspects of mineralogy and interfaces these with novel techniques for micro- and nano-particle and surface characterization and with the disciplines of engineering, biogeochemistry, soil science, material science, medicine, chemistry and biology. One of the main aspects of environmental mineralogy is concerned with determining the mechanisms of, and capacity for, incorporation of contaminants into or onto mineral structures, and the stability of these structures thereafter. The increasing significance of the field is illustrated by the following quotations:
“In the past 10 years, Environmental Mineralogy has emerged as a multifaceted discipline, with applications in material science, soil science, biology, including geomicrobiology, medicine and health, atmospheric science and perhaps more”. (Valsami-Jones, E. and Manning, D.A.C., Min. Mag., 67, 1123, 2003)
“In the face of continuing human population explosion and the fact that soil and groundwater resources are approaching, or have already crossed, decline thresholds, mineralogy holds a central position in sustaining Earth” (Hochella, M.F.Jr., Min. Mag, 66, 646, 2002)
In addition, environmental mineralogy is increasingly being taught as a component of degrees in Earth Science and Environmental Science, and within specialized MSc courses. The growing importance of this field is reflected in increasing numbers of research degrees, projects and whole conferences and conference sessions in the field (e.g., UK Mineralogical Society annual meeting Jan 2005: Environmental Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Human Health, and annual meeting Jan 2006: Micro- to Nano-geosciences: Developments and Applications; sessions on ‘Minerals in Contaminated Environments’ and ‘Adsorption Processes on Clay Mineral Surfaces’ at the upcoming Frontiers in Mineral Sciences 2007 in Cambridge, June 2007); session on ‘Environmental Medical Mineralogy’ at the 2006 International Mineralogical Association meeting in Kobe, Japan.
