Book excerpt: This new edition of a bestseller presents updated technology advances that have occurred since publication of the first edition. It increases the utility and scope of the content through numerous case studies and examples and an entirely new set of problems and solutions. The book also has an accompanying instructor's guide and presents rubrics by which instructors can increase student learning and evaluate student outcomes, chapter by chapter. The book focuses on the increasing importance of water resources and energy in the broader context of environmental sustainability. It’s interdisciplinary coverage includes soil science, physical chemistry, mineralogy, geology, ground pollution, and more.