Book excerpt: This broad overview covers the four traditional spheres of the environment: water, air, earth, and life, and introduces a fifth sphere - the "anthrosphere" - which the author defines as the sphere of human activities, especially technology, that affect the earth. Environmental Science and Technology is organized into six major areas; one for each of the five spheres and one introductory section that explains the fundamentals of chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and environmental chemistry. Throughout the book, the relationships among the five spheres and their connections to the sciences are emphasized. For better or worse, technology is closely intertwined with the other four spheres. Humans utilize resources, manufacture goods, practice agriculture, and engage in other activities that have profound effects on the planet. This unique text/reference takes a realistic look at the environmental effects of human activities, and shows how constructively directed technology can have a beneficial effect on the Earth.