Death in the Marsh [Hardcover]

Tom Harris (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559630701 | ISBN-13: 978-1559630702 | Publication Date: October 1, 1991 | Edition: 1

Selenium, essential in microscopic doses, can be deadly in larger amounts. Death in the Marsh explains how federal irrigation projects have altered selenium's circulation in the environment, allowing it to accumulate in marshes, killing ecosystems and wildlife, and causing deformities in some animals.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In 1984, Harris, an investigative reporter for the Sacramento Bee , began following up reports that selenium-tainted runoff, p.4 piped in from farms by a federal water project, was causing a startling number of malformations and deaths among the waterfowl of the Kesterton National Wildlife Refuge in California's San Joaquin Valley. Although toxic levels of this mineral occur worldwide, with damaging consequences, in the western United States use of selenium-rich fertilizers, animal feeds and industrial materials has exacerbated the problem. Harris recounts his eight-year odyssey through the West, collecting soil, water and vegetation samples and interviewing human victims of selenium poisoning. He chronicles the work of biologists and chemists on the sources and effects of the element and the persistent clash between farming and conservation interests. While he outlines possible solutions, Harris pessimistically notes the daunting effort required for implementation. This detailed, persuasive narrative further clarifies the need to discover and remedy environmental perils while we still have the power to do so.

Copyright 1991 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 259 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (October 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559630701
• ISBN-13: 978-1559630702
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,637,347 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book!!!, December 16, 2009

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Pennsylvania "Reviewer" (Seattle WA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Death in the Marsh (Paperback)

This is a great book and I can't believe that Tom Harris did not win the Pulitzer Prize for his work! Mr. Harris uncovers (re-research he calls it) the strides that had been made regarding the perils and proliferation of selenium poisoning, just prior to WW II and quickly forgotten for 40 years. He powerfully brings to the reader's attention the price being paid for such "bureaucratic amnesia". Along the way he teaches us how to be an excellent investigative reporter, the tendency of government to cover-up rather than solve problems and highlights the real pioneers and heroes of selenium research, who put their jobs on the line, to protect society and make it better. Through all of this he is able to keep his sense of humor and perspective. Rather than win governmental awards for excelling at their professions and jobs these government scientists and administrators receive pink slips or are transferred to non-descript locales. This would make a great movie!! Great book on many different levels - if you want to become an investigative journalist this book is a must read!!