Designed to accompany the new Open University course in Environmental Monitoring and Protection, this is one of four new titles which will equip the reader with the tools to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). Used in planning, decision-making and management, EIAs review both the theoretical principles and environmental considerations of engineering and environmental projects to help steer fundamental legislation in the right direction. This book begins with a discussion of the basics of the hydrological cycle and a description of the natural aquatic environment including the normal composition of surface waters. Further chapters detail the sources of water pollution and the affects of water pollution including biological treatment of sewerage, sludge treatment and disposal, before addressing industrial wastewater treatment and water quality assessment.