An Introduction to the Chemistry of the Sea

'... an excellent overview of the field of marine chemistry ... The extensive appendixes provide useful basic information on diverse subjects. High[ly] recommended.' M. W. Han, Choice

'This second edition is a welcome updating of Pilson's classic text. The book treats the broad range of aspects of marine chemistry for advanced undergraduates and graduate students, but even seasoned researchers will find it a valuable resource. The inclusion of a historical perspective throughout the book is particularly useful.' J. Kirk Cochran, Stony Brook University

'Contains an enormous wealth of information, presenting marine chemistry in a way that even non-chemists will be able to grasp. Pilson has taken great care to explain the basics as well as the state of the art. It is a book that any marine scientist (from undergraduate through to professor) will benefit from having close to hand.' David Thomas, Bangor University, Marine Research Centre, Helsinki, and Arctic Research Centre, Aarhus University

'This book is unique and clearly presented: not just a textbook for courses on ocean chemistry, but definitely a great reference book for coastal ecosystems and freshwater bodies as well.' Yushun Chen, University of Arkansas

'This new edition of Pilson's classic textbook has been brought up to date with regard to the latest analytical techniques and scientific insights of modern marine chemistry. With its broad scope and light narrative style it will likely remain the foundation of many excellent graduate and advanced undergraduate courses for years to come.' Johan Schijf, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and Chesapeake Biological Laboratory

'... offers a comprehensive and accessible foundation for studying the chemistry of the sea, and it likely will become a standard textbook for introductory chemical oceanography courses, as well as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the topic. Pilson has succeeded in his hope to provide an 'overview of the whole field of marine chemistry' that 'will be helpful to all who care to know something of the marine world'.' Ana Aguilar-Islas, Oceanography

Michael E. Q. Pilson is Emeritus Professor of Oceanography at the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island and has taught a course on chemical oceanography for most of the past 40 years. For some years, he directed the Marine Ecosystems Research Laboratory at Rhode Island, conducting experimental study of biogeochemistry in shallow coastal waters. Professor Pilson has published around 90 papers on chemical, physical, biological, ecological and geological aspects of oceanography and has advised students in chemical and biological areas. His broad range of experience has shaped his oceanography course to be accessible and interesting to students with diverse backgrounds, interests and professional goals.

Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. The water in seawater; 3. Salinity, chlorinity, conductivity, and density; 4. Major constituents of seawater; 5. Simple gases; 6. Salts in solution; 7. Carbon dioxide; 8. Nutrients; 9. Trace metals and other minor elements; 10. Radioactive clocks; 11. Organic matter in the sea; 12. Anoxic marine environments; 13. Exchanges at the boundaries; 14. Chemical extraction of useful substances from the sea; 15. Geochemical history of the oceans; Appendix A. The chemical elements; Appendix B. Symbols, units, and nomenclature; Appendix C. Physical properties of seawater; Appendix D. Gases; Appendix E. Carbon dioxide; Appendix F. Dissociation constants and pH scales; Appendix G. Solubility of calcium carbonate; Appendix H. Effects of pressure; Appendix I. Radioactive decay; Appendix J. Geochemical reservoirs, and some rates; Appendix K. Sound absorption; Glossary; References; Index.