Chapter 1 – Boron in the Environment

In this introductory chapter, an up-to-date overview of boron (B) environment chemistry and biogeochemistry is given. The separate parts cover B concentrations, forms and turnover in the atmosphere, natural waters and bottom sediments, soils, microbiota, plants, animals, and humans. The role of natural organic matter in B binding and transformations, often unappreciated, is accentuated. Boron toxicology and medical geology/geochemistry are also considered.