The good, bad and ugly gifts from the mother earth are highlighted. Olive oil, rice seedling blight, and Borrelia burgdorferi, respectively are the good, bad and ugly gifts from the mother earth.

Reports the chemistry of saxitoxin, a paralytic shellfish poison, and other toxins, including the structure of aplysiatoxins. Discusses the chemical signals and defense agents used in intra- and inter- species communication; anticancer agents; and organometallics in the marine environment. (MA)

The role of phosphates in environmental issues and in detergents is discussed. Experimental procedures are described for colorimetric determination of orthophosphates. (TS)

Describes a course in environmental chemistry offered at Dutchess Community College (New York) for students enrolled in the environmental conservation science program. Provides an outline of the 13 units comprising the laboratory portion of the course and discusses the one-hour/week lecture sessions. (TW)

Discusses some of the problems associated with the safe disposal of high-level nuclear wastes. Describes several waste disposal plans developed by various nations. Outlines the multiple-barrier concept of isolation in deep geological questions associated with the implementation of such a method. (TW)