This booklet investigates the biological mechanisms and ecological consequences of environmental pollution. R. W. Edwards provides a concise overview of how various pollutants interact with biological systems, drawing upon foundational ecological principles to explain the degradation of natural habitats. The text serves as a technical primer for students, utilizing scientific data to illustrate the impact of human activity on the biosphere.

Experts and educators recognize this series as a foundational resource for high school and college-level biology students. Readers frequently note the high density of information contained within the brief, sixteen-page format.