Since the end of World War II isotope geology has grown into a diversi fied and complex discipline in the earth sciences. It has progressed by the efforts of a relatively small number of specialists, many of whom are physi cists, chemists, or mathematicians who were attracted to the earth sciences by the opportunity to measure and to interpret the isotopic compositions of certain chemical elements in geological materials. The phenomenal growth of isotope geology during the last 25 years is an impressive indi cation of the success of their efforts. We have now entered into a new phase of development of isotope geology which emphasizes the application of the new tools to the solution of specific problems in the earth and planetary sciences. This requires the active participation of a new breed of geologists who understand the nature and complexity of geological problems and can work toward their solution by a thoughtful application of the principles of isotope geology. It is there fore necessary to explain these principles to earth scientists at large to enable them to make use of the new information which isotope geology can offer them.

"IPCS, International Programme on Chemical Safety"--Cover.

This book provides an authoritative review of the origin and extraction of strontium and its impact on the environment. It also presents the latest strontium decontamination and remediation strategies. Around the globe, nuclear power is being recognized as a major source of energy and is expected to play a crucial role in meeting the energy requirements of present day society. However, the pros and cons have to be considered, and the safe disposal of large amounts of radionuclide wastes is becoming a matter of great concern. These wastes encompass contaminants such as heavy metals and toxic substances, which may exist in solid, liquid or gaseous forms or a combination of these, and as such, their disposal requires particular attention. The book focuses on 90Sr, which is a predominant isotope of strontium and considered an intermediate level radioactive waste with a half-life of 28.8 years, average biological half-life of 18 years and 546 KeV decay energy. Written by expert contributors, it addresses occurrence, detection and extraction of strontium, the chemical and nuclear properties of strontium isotopes, the fate and migration of strontium in soil, its bioaccumulation, and its associated health impact, mechanistic toxicity response as well as related regulation and remediation. It appeals to scholars, scientists and environmental managers working with strontium contamination in the environment and its consequences.

Nearly two hundred years ago Crawford and Cruickshank, surgeons and chemists in the Royal Artillery, reported the occurrence of a "new earth" in the mines at the Scottish village of Strontian. Humphrey Davy, following the advice of Berzelius, isolated stable strontium in 1808 along with other alkali earth metals. It was not until 1883 that physiological effects of stable strontium were first recognized by none other than Sidney Ringer in his experiments on frog heart. The medicinal use of strontium salts was first described in Squire's Companion in 1894. Subsequently, strontium was introduced into the Pharma copeias of Great Britain, United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and Mexico and was used in treatment of a variety of disease. s, clearly without detailed knowledge of its actions. It is hoped that this handbook will provide a sound basis for further research on stable strontium and the establishment of the levels of intake, necessary or desirable, in different pathophysiological conditions. The objective of this publication was to assemble a comprehensive collection of essays on stable strontium which review the respective areas of research as well as present original data. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to work with the contributors of these essays. It is obvious that this type of book should be interdisciplinary in nature owing to the necessity of examining each subject from the viewpoint of different disciplines.