Beginning with the fundamentals of matter and the behavior of particles, the text lays a solid foundation for discussions on the source of radionuclides and their concentrations in air, water, and soil. Using predictive modeling, the authors examine the transfer of radionuclides through ecosystems and their effects on individual substances. The book provides up-to-date information on monitoring programs and legislation, detailed descriptions of detection systems, and evaluations of safety protocols in radioanalytical laboratories and in food processing. The authors devote considerable attention to the nuclear and radiological terrorist threat, illicit trafficking and masking of radioactive materials, event scenarios, and radiological forensics.