Pollution of Lakes and Rivers: A Paleoenvironmental Perspective, 2nd Edition

John Smol has produced a very readable text on modern day lake and river pollution problems and paleolimnologic approaches for providing insights into these problems. The breadth of coverage in this text is impressive. ( Lake and Reservoir Management, September 2009)

This was an enjoyable book to read as the author is extremely knowledgeable technically, and he writes well and in an easy to understand manner. (Journal of the American Water Resources Association, June 2009)

"The author has the gift of clear writing which is evident in terms of the fluidity and clarity of the book content .I can happily recommend this book knowing that my enthusiastic attempts will be more than well supplemented." (Journal of Paleolimnology, March 2009)

"John Smol has extensive experience in this field of paleoenvironmental research which he combines well with his excellent written communication skills to produce a text that is easy to read but also thought provoking A very well written and formulated book. It strikes the right balance between description of key issues and the practical methods for investigating these." (Quaternary Science Reviews, Feb 09)

"This comprehensive, up-to-date volume provides essential insights into the multidisciplinary science of paleolimnology aimed at tackling some of the most urgent environmental problems." (Lakeline, Fall 2008)

"This is a very well-written and wide-ranging volume that is both instructive and topical. It is likely to prove useful as an introduction to the general area, a reference source and for teaching purposes." (The Holocene, November 2008)

On the first edition:

"This is a useful text. It provides a good level of detail so that the beginner in this area can appreciate what palaeolimnology can (and cannot) achieve." (Bigpond.net.au)

I promise you will come away thinking!
Nandini Kumar, TerraGreen"Intellectually generous and gracious, a fine example showing us that scientists, too, have their poetic sides which can be used to charm us while they produce convincing work." (U.S. Water News)

“The book is written in a very enjoyable style and the obvious enthusiasm of the author rings from the page.”
–Catherine Duigan, Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems

“John Smol has produced an excellent introduction into how sedimentary records mainly from lakes but also from rivers, reservoirs and other environments can be used to study past environments …This is a terrific text for undergraduate and Masters students covering a vast range of material that is both accessible and up to date …”
–Viv Jones, The Geographical Journal

“Much thought has gone into this book … The chapter headings in this book show the author’s facility with words and concepts …”
–Frank E. Round, Diatom Research

“… the book is compact and highly readable and makes for an excellent introduction and overview of the current state of palaeolimnology … a valuable text for all students of environmental change”
–Roger Flower, The Holocene

“… particularly well written. Smol’s vast experience in writing and editing is evident in his direct writing style … a fine contribution that is clearly written and suitable for student and seasoned investigator alike.”
–Richard B. Brugam, Journal of Paleolimnology

“… John Smol has been one of the central figures in the field of paleolimnology throughout much of its modern development … the book is well written and highly informative. The examples cover much of the significant paleolimnological studies conducted during the past decades in different parts of our planet.”
–Heiki Simola, SIL News