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BOOK REVIEW "LAKE ERIE REHABILITATED: CONTROLLING CULTURAL EUTROPHICATION, 1960S - 1990S"
Citation:
O'Connor**, T P. BOOK REVIEW "LAKE ERIE REHABILITATED: CONTROLLING CULTURAL EUTROPHICATION, 1960S - 1990S". S. Spicer (ed.), WATER ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY. Water Environment Federation, Alexandria, VA, 16(9):319, (2004).
Impact/Purpose:
to critique a book
Description:
This well written, well researched and informative book recounts the sudden appearance of cultural eutrophication in the Great Lakes after adoption of phosphorous as the main active ingredient in detergents toward the end of World War II. For the most part, McGucken, a historian, is adept at describing the phosphorous problem, but the book is most concerned with the public's sense of trust and how this interplays with the roles of government to both reduce risk to the public and protect our waters and industry to provide cheap yet environmentally sound products. The magnitude of the problem is well brought forth, as it takes several years to raise awareness, a decade more to study and decide best courses of action and two more decades to achieve results. The book presents a multitude of views of scientists, engineers, politicians, manufacturers, the press and local advocacy groups. Its breadth is also displayed by detailing economic impacts to detergent manufacturers, who alter their products, municipalities, that treat phosphorous in sewage, and farmers, who must change practices. Students in an environmental program would benefit from this book as could environmental professionals, i.e., managers, advocates, manufacturers, policy makers or those unfamiliar with the material. Trying to piece together a linear time line isn't always possible or successful as there are parallel and conflicting efforts to understand and control eutrophication in the Great Lakes. Most chapters concern events from 1960-1980 leading to an abrupt last chapter, where eutrophication is curtailed as fish populations rebound and anoxia is reduced. McGucken notes this is not "the end of the fight against eutrophication; rather, the various practices that had been invoked since the 1960s to reduce phosphorous inputs would have to be continued for as long as over enrichment of Lake Erie was to be avoided." Well said.
URLs/Downloads:
BOOK REVIEW "LAKE ERIE REHABILITATED: CONTROLLING CULTURAL EUTROPHICATION, 1960S - 1990S"