The environmental studies of pollution in the Mexico City Air Basin serve as models for urban areas all over the world. This book reviews the ongoing research for the first time and synthesizes a complete study of the effects of air pollution on forests. A thorough discussion of regional geology, climate and hydrology and the sociological factors affecting air pollution in the area sets the stage for a variety of case studies of forests. The editors also address the outlook for the health and sustainability of forests in the midst of widespread urbanization.

From the reviews:

"The book makes an important contribution to the development of regulations and strategies designed to control air pollution. It provides an excellent starting point for all those interested in the topic of air pollution and its effects on forests. The book's strength lies in the extensive collection of case studies which clearly depict the impact of pollutants on the species analysed as well as the ecological consequences of such exposure." (Alicia Chacalo Hilu, Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, Issue 4, 2006)

Inhalt
Section 1. Past and Present Environmental and Sociological Factors Affecting Forests in the Mexico City Air Basin.- 1. Historical Summary of the Geology, Climate, Hydrology, Culture, and Natural Resource Utilization in the Basin of Mexico.- 2. Socioeconomic Change and Its Impact on Forest Resources in the Basin of Mexico.- 3. Physical Geography, Hydrogeology, and Forest Soils of the Basin of Mexico.- 4. Forests in the Basin of Mexico: Types, Geographic Distribution, and Condition.- 5. The Climate of the Mexico City Air Basin: Its Effects on the Formation and Transport of Pollutants.- Section 2. Air Pollution in the Mexico City Air Basin.- 6. Air Pollution Levels and Trends in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.- 7. Emissions Trends and Pollution Control Strategies in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area.- 8. Heavy Metals in Forest Soils, Vegetation, and Drainage Waters in the Basin of Mexico.- Section 3. Ecological Effects of Air Pollutants in the Mexico City Air Basin: Case Studies.- 9. Oxidant Exposure and Effects on Pines in Forests in the Mexico City and Los Angeles, California, Air Basins.- 10. Decline of Sacred Fir in the Desierto de los Leones National Park.- 11. Histological Symptoms of Air Pollution Injury in Foliage, Bark, and Xylem of Abies religiosa in the Basin of Mexico.- 12. Lichens and Air Pollution in the Forests Surrounding Mexico City.- 13. Nitrogen and Sulfur Deposition in the Mexico City Air Basin: Impacts on Forest Nutrient Status and Nitrate Levels in Drainage Waters.- 14. Effects of Oxidants in Ambient Air on Annual Crops in the Basin of Mexico.- Section 4. Summary, Synthesis, and Perspectives.- 15. Summary of Air Pollution Impacts on Forests in the Mexico City Air Basin.- 16. Resources at Risk and Research Needs.