Biogeochemistry in Mineral Exploration.: COLIN E. DUNN. Pp. 462 and CD-ROM. 2007. Handbook of Exploration and Environmental Geochemistry series (M. Hale, series editor), Volume 9. Amsterdam, Elsevier. ISBN 978-0-444-53074-5. Price US$160.

Abstract

This book, published in July 2007, is the latest in the Handbook series produced by Elsevier. The first six volumes were published as the Handbook of Exploration Geochemistry series (editor, Gerry Govett). Martin Hale assumed editorial responsibilities starting with volume 7, and the series was expanded in scope and title to include environmental geochemistry. Biogeochemistry in Mineral Exploration returns to the series’ roots and Govett’s original exploration-oriented vision, focusing mainly on the use of plants in exploration geochemistry. This book is the first major publication on the subject in many years and it provides documentation on the methodologies that have been fine tuned or developed in recent decades. These improvements have resulted, in part, from advancements in analytical techniques, which now allow for determination of ultra-trace abundances of elements in plant tissues and even for plant mineralogy, all described in the book. Colin Dunn is extremely well suited to the task of writing this book, having spent some 30 years in biogeochemical research, mainly in exploration, for the Geological Survey of Canada and as a private consultant to numerous …