“Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science” by Davis and Masten is a leading textbook designed for introductory courses in environmental engineering. It strategically balances the fundamental scientific principles of chemistry, biology, and hydrology with their application in environmental engineering design.

The book is particularly known for its clear and methodical approach, making complex topics accessible to students from various backgrounds, including civil engineering, environmental engineering, and environmental science. It places a strong emphasis on sustainable design and the application of scientific principles to solve real-world environmental problems.

Key topics covered in this edition include:

• Scientific Foundations: Provides a solid grounding in the chemistry and biology essential for understanding environmental processes, including stoichiometry, microbial kinetics, and ecosystem interactions.
• Water & Wastewater: Covers water quality, water treatment processes (coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection), and wastewater treatment (biological processes, nutrient removal).
• Air Quality & Pollution Control: Addresses the fundamentals of atmospheric science, air pollution effects, and the engineering controls for major pollutants.
• Solid and Hazardous Waste: Explores the management of municipal solid waste, including recycling, composting, landfilling, and an introduction to hazardous waste remediation.
• Sustainability and Risk: Introduces concepts of sustainable design, industrial ecology, and environmental risk assessment.

A key strength of this text is its focus on problem-solving. It includes numerous worked examples and end-of-chapter problems that help students develop the quantitative skills necessary for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and professional practice. It serves as an excellent bridge between pure science and practical engineering.