Book excerpt: This book is an outgrowth of research contributions and teaching experiences by all the authors in applying modern fluid mechanics to problems of pollutant transport and mixing in the water environment. It should be suitable for use in first year graduate level courses for engineering and science students, although more material is contained than can reasonably be taught in a one-year course, and most instructors will probably wish to cover only selected potions. The book should also be useful as a reference for practicing hydraulic and environmental engineers, as well as anyone involved in engineering studies for disposal of wastes into the environment. The practicing consulting or design engineer will find a thorough explanation of the fundamental processes, as well as many references to the current technical literature, the student should gain a deep enough understanding of basics to be able to read with understanding the future technical literature evolving in this evolving field.