Aquatic Pollution: An Introductory Text, 3rd Edition (ISBN 0471348759)

a must-own:
I used this book for a college course and not only found it easy to read and understand, but also enjoyable. The author's style of writing is unmatched among science textbook writers. The book covers an overview of all relevent issues in aquatic pollution for both marine and freshwater environments. Each topic is covered with enough detail and background information to provide a clear understanding of the problems within the field of aquatic pollution.

Nothing else compares...:
I used both editions of Laws's book, Aquatic Pollution, throughout my Master's studies as an introductory text to environmental problems of the hydrosphere. I have found no other book to be equally informative. I recommend it to my undergrad class as a primary reference. The material covered is also suitable for beginning MS students, and the conceptual approach used is quite effective especially for those with no technical science exposure. Easy reading to be supplemented as needed with the more technical books like Stumm and Morgan's Aquatic Chemistry. Very adequate for introductory courses. I'm glad that the 3rd edition is due soon.