Introduction

Abstract

Throughout the world, unpolluted freshwater is amongst the most endangered of our natural resources. The diverse, basically fragile communities that it supports may be similarly under threat. With increased understanding of the processes that operate in these dynamic assemblages of species, attention has been directed towards the effects exerted by different groups of substances on the aquatic plant and animal communities. Amongst the groups of compounds examined, simple and complex oil and petrochemical derivatives have been the subject of numerous studies. However, the majority of studies of oils in aquatic ecosystems have concerned marine environments. The aim of this book is to draw together information concerning the fate and effects of oil in freshwater systems and to consider some of the approaches used in cleanup technology.

“Petrol (Petroleum). A liquid bitumen, black, floating on the water of springs.”

Walker’s Dictionary: London, 1846