Synopses & Reviews
Studying the impact of humans on the environment occupies a central role in contemporary scientific research. One area proving to be a rich source of applications to environmental problems is plasma physics -- the study of ionized gases. Plasma Science and the Environment describes important advances in this discipline and its associated fields -- gaseous chemistry, lasers, and electron beams. Written by some of the world's foremost experts, this book includes chapters on applications of plasma science to environmental problems. For example, atmospheric CFC's might be zapped with big lasers. Urban air pollution could be removed by large convection towers built in or near cities (the towers could also house convection-driven turbines to provide clean energy). And weapons-grade plutonium can be destroyed with specially designed particle accelerators (which could also drive energy-producing turbines). Some of the technologies described here are in use already, while others are in the prototype stage, or are speculative approaches deserving of further study.
Synopsis
Plasma Science and the Environment describes important advances on environmental issues made by researchers in plasma physics and its associated fields of fluids, gaseous chemistry, lasers, microwaves, and electron beams. Written by some of the world's foremost plasma science experts, the articles here range from the global perspective of climate and atmospheric change to new developments in energy efficiency and conservation to key applications in waste treatment and reduction. Clearly written, up to date, and extensively referenced, Plasma Science and the Environment introduces nonspecialists to a fascinating field of scientific endeavor. Readers will gain a broader understanding of some of the most crucial problems facing the modern world, and will see how specialists in a particular area of physics are working to solve them.