Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 3rd Ed

The Introduction to Environmental Engineering, 3rd Ed presents a balanced treatment of environmental engineering by combining engineering concepts with the importance of environmental ethics. This third edition highlights sustainable development and emphasizes the need for engineers to become even more environmentally responsible during this time of increasing awareness of environmental concerns. The authors challenge students with problems that require not only a technical solution but a thorough consideration of its ethical ramifications. The text also provides comprehensive exposure to all types of environmental problems, including ecosystem dynamics, wastewater treatment, and air pollution control.

Key aspects:

• Balanced Coverage: The book treats all major categories of pollution (water, air, solid waste, and hazardous waste) while integrating contemporary and emerging environmental issues such as climate change, ozone depletion, and risk assessment. 
• Fundamental Principles: It begins with core concepts in mass and energy transfer, then moves into environmental chemistry, reaction kinetics, and transport phenomena. 
• Quantitative Tools: Students learn how to perform engineering calculations, including material balances, separation processes, and reactor design—skills essential for understanding treatment systems. 
• Risk Assessment and Sustainability: There’s a strong emphasis on risk-analysis methodologies, environmental health risks, and sustainable development practices. 
• Water Quality Engineering: Detailed discussion of water pollution, including water supply, treatment processes, and pollution control strategies. 
• Air Pollution & Global Change: The book covers air pollution control methods and explores global atmospheric change, tying in how engineering solutions intersect with worldwide environmental trends. 
• Solid Waste and Resource Recovery: There’s also coverage of solid waste management, recycling, and resource recovery strategies—core to modern environmental engineering.
• Ethics and Regulation: Ethical issues (e.g., environmental justice, green engineering) and legal/regulatory frameworks are woven throughout, helping students understand the societal context of engineering decisions. 
• Pedagogical Support: End-of-chapter review problems, case studies, and real-world examples help students apply theoretical ideas to practical environmental problems.

Highlights:

• Accessible Introduction: Ideal for undergraduates with minimal prior background.
• Real-World Applications: Connects theory to practical environmental problems.
• Comprehensive Approach: Covers technical, social, and ethical dimensions of environmental engineering.
• Structured Learning: Organized progression from fundamentals to advanced topics.
• Sustainability Focus: Emphasizes sustainable practices and responsible engineering solutions.

About Authors

Gilbert M. Masters was a professor of civil and environmental engineering, known for his contributions to environmental engineering education. He authored several textbooks on environmental engineering and science, emphasizing practical applications, problem-solving, and accessibility for undergraduate students. His work has influenced generations of engineers in understanding water and air quality, pollution control, and environmental sustainability.

Wendell P. Ela is an environmental engineer and educator with expertise in water and wastewater treatment, air quality management, and environmental systems. He has co-authored textbooks to provide students with both the technical foundations and practical tools needed to address real-world environmental challenges.

Other Works:

• Principles and Practices of Commercial Construction 11th Edition