Biophysical Chemistry of Fractal Structures and Processes in Environmental Systems

Biophysical Chemistry of Fractal Structures and Processes in Environmental Systems. Disorder appears to predominate in natural and environmental systems, e.g. star constellations, clouds, coastlines, trees and snowflakes. In the natural environment, there is a great need to quantitatively describe complex physicochemical systems and processes. By their very nature, environmental systems are prefect candidates for quantitative description using fractal dimensions. Indeed, fractal geometry is a powerful approach of the quantitative description of complex, highly irregular and random systems, the processes that lead to the formation of such disordered systems and the physical behaviour that results from such apparent disorder. Biophysical Chemistry of Fractal Structures and Processes in Environmental Systems aims to provide the scientific community with a novel and valuable approach based on fractal geometry concepts. A number of important properties and processes are examined in diverse environmental systems. For example, this volume examines how the fractal approach has been applied to better understand the structure and reactivity of flocs, sediments, soils, microorganism, and humic substances. the book will be of great use to scientists and engineers looking for the fundamental knowledge necessary to solve practical environmental problems. Topics covered include: An introduction to the study of environmental fractals Fractal geometry, fragmentation processes and multifractal measures Methods and techniques for the fractal analysis of environmental systems Fractal structures and mechanisms in coagulation/flocculation processes in environmental systems Fractal approaches to adsorption/desorption processes on environmental surfaces The application of fractals in the study of humic materials Fractal geometry and microorganisms in the environment Fractal geometry of aerosol particles This comprehensive volume is aimed at graduate students, scientists, researchers and professionals involved in fundamental and applied studies in environmental sciences, with emphasis on environmental analytical chemistry, biochemistry and physical chemistry. The IUPAC Series on Analytical and Physical Chemistry of Environmental Systems provides the scientific community with a critical evaluation of important physicochemical structures and reactions in environmental systems, as well as the analytical techniques required to study them. The series is aimed at promoting rigorous analysis and understanding of the physicochemical functioning of environmental systems.

About the Editors vii List of Contributors ix Series Preface xi Preface xiii 1. Introduction to the Study of Environmental Fractals 1 Nicola Senesi and Kevin J. Wilkinson 2. Introduction to Fractal Geometry, Fragmentation Processes and Multifractal Measures: Theory and Operational Aspects of their Application to Natural Systems 11 Philippe Baveye, Charles W. Boast, Sarra Gaspard, Ana M. Tarquis and Humberto Millan 3. Methods and Techniques for Fractal Analysis of Environmental Systems 69 Graeme Bushell 4. Fractal Structures and Mechanisms in Coagulation/Flocculation Processes in Environmental Systems: Theoretical Aspects 111 Serge Stoll and Silvia Diez 5. Fractal Mechanisms in Coagulation/Flocculation Processes in Environmental Systems 149 Jean Yves Bottero, Armand Masion and Jérôme Rose 6. Fractal Approach to Adsorption/Desorption Processes on Environmental Surfaces 179 Zofia Sokołowska and Stefan Sokołowski 7. Applications of Fractals in the Study of Humic Materials 221 James A. Rice 8. Fractal Geometry and Microorganisms in the Environment 239 Lynne Boddy and Damian P. Donnelly 9. Fractal Geometry of Aerosol Particles 273 Ian Colbeck Copyrighted Material Index 317