A state-of-the-art survey was made of the water pollution problems which result from the production of inorganic fertilizers and phosphate rock. Information required to complete the study was obtained through an extensive literature search, questionnaires sent to the major fertilizer producers, and visits to selected production plants. Ninety eight plants representing thirty three different companies were surveyed. Production figures since 1940 and estimates of production through 1980 were accumulated for phosphate rock and the major fertilizer products. The specific production operations which are the principal generators of contaminated waste waters were identified, and the waste water volumes and compositions for each operation were determined wherever possible. The capability of current technology to treat and control the contaminated waste waters generated by the fertilizer industry was evaluated. Problem areas where additional research and development effort is needed to provide adequate control of waste water discharge were identified.

Inorganic Pollutants in Water provides a clear understanding of inorganic pollutants and the challenges they cause in aquatic environments. The book explores the point of source, how they enter water, the effects they have, and their eventual detection and removal. Through a series of case studies, the authors explore the success of the detection and removal techniques they have developed. Users will find this to be a single platform of information on inorganic pollutants that is ideal for researchers, engineers and technologists working in the fields of environmental science, environmental engineering and chemical engineering/ sustainability. Through this text, the authors introduce new researchers to the problem of inorganic contaminants in water, while also presenting the current state-of-the-art in terms of research and technologies to tackle this problem.

This book was written by undergraduate students at The Ohio State University (OSU) who were enrolled in the class Introduction to Environmental Science. The chapters describe some of Earth's major environmental challenges and discuss ways that humans are using cutting-edge science and engineering to provide sustainable solutions to these problems. Topics are as diverse as the students, who represent virtually every department, school and college at OSU. The environmental issue that is described in each chapter is particularly important to the author, who hopes that their story will serve as inspiration to protect Earth for all life.