Diatoms are microscopic algae which are found in virtually every habitat where water is present. This volume is an up-to-date summary of the expanding field of their uses in environmental and earth sciences. Their abundance and wide distribution, and their well-preserved glass-like walls make them ideal tools for a wide range of applications as both fossils and living organisms. Examples of their wide range of applications include as environmental indicators, for oil exploration, and for forensic examination. The major emphasis is on their use in analysing ecological problems such as climate change, acidification and eutrophication. The contributors to the volume are leading researchers in their fields and are brought together for the first time to give a timely synopsis of a dynamic and important area. This book should be read by environmental scientists, phycologists, limnologists, ecologists and palaeoecologists, oceanographers, archaeologists and forensic scientists.

‘… an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in diatoms, particularly students, who will appreciate its thorough reviews and wealth of literature citations. Its synthesis of techniques, ideas, and viewpoints move diatom science strongly into the twenty-first century.’

Evelyn E. Gaiser Source: Limnology and Oceanography

‘This book constitutes a well-organized and comprehensive review on the use of diatoms in environmental and earth sciences in recent decades, and is a well-referenced resource. It covers modern statistical methods with clear examples that will help … investigators. The book is an essential resource for all students and investigators who have interest in diatoms and the environmental sciences, both for modern studies and for historical applications.’

Source: Journal of Paleolimnology

‘I can recommend the book for all advanced students in biology and scientists involved in environmental research.’

Christian Wilhelm Source: Journal of Plant Physiology

‘ … this is an inspirational volume that will be valuable in courses in environmental biology and geography, at the undergraduate and graduate level.’

M. M. Bayer and D. G. Mann Source: Edinburgh Journal of Botany

‘… a very useful overview of all potential applications of diatoms to environmental problems.’

Daniel Vaulot Source: Journal of Phycology

‘With this book - all of whose chapters are of high quality - it can be fairly said that environmental diatom analysis has come of age.’

Neil Roberts Source: The Holocene

‘This book constitutes a well-organized and comprehensive review on the use of diatoms in environmental and earth sciences in recent decades, and is a well-referenced resource. It covers modern statistical methods with clear examples that will help to demystify-oriented investigators. The book is an essential resource for all students and investigators who have interest in diatoms and the environmental sciences, both for modern studies and for historical applications.’

Source: Journal of Paleolimnology

‘… an invaluable resource for anyone with an interest in diatoms, particularly students, who will appreciate its thorough reviews and wealth of literature citations. Its synthesis of techniques, ideas, and viewpoints move diatom science strongly into the 21st century.’

Evelyn E. Glasier Source: Limnology and Oceanography

‘This good collection of very interesting papers is really useful for everybody dealing with diatoms, algae and environmental-earth science.’

K. T. Kiss Source: Acta Botanica Hungarica

‘The wealth of data presented in this book concerning the wide-ranging applications to which diatoms have been and can be put to use, the exhaustive references contained in each chapter makes it imperative for environmental and earth scientists to have it on their shelves and in their libraries.’

S. B. Bhatia Source: Phytomorphology

‘… an excellent starting point for any serious student in diatom research … every diatomist should have a copy.’

Karen K. Serieyssol Source: Diatom Research

‘… a useful addition to the library of both applied environmental consultants and theoretical aquatic scientists.’

John Stockner Source: SILnews

‘… a valuable reference book for a wide spectrum of readers …’.

Sue Howarth Source: Journal of Biological Education

‘… this book [is] recommendable for all scientists, especially for students involved in environmental research.’

Susanne Raphael and Jörg Matschullat Source: Environmental Geology