INTRODUCTION 



The Joint US-USSR Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environ- 

 mental Protection was established in May of 1972. These proceedings re- 

 sult from one of the projects, Project 0.2.02-1.3, Effects of Pollutants 

 Upon Aquatic Ecosystems and Permissible Levels of Pollution. 



As knowledge related to fate and transport of pollutants has grown, 

 it has become increasingly apparent that local and even national 

 approaches to solving pollution problems are insufficient. Not only are 

 the problems themselves frequently international, but an understanding of 

 alternate methodological approaches to the problem can avoid needless 

 duplication of efforts. This expansion of interest from local and 

 national represents a logical and natural maturation from the provincial 

 to a global concern for the environment. 



In general, mankind is faced with very similar environmental problems 

 regardless of the national or political boundaries which we have erected. 

 While the problems may vary slightly in type or degree, the fundamental 

 and underlying factors are remarkably similar. It is not surprising, 

 therefore, that the interests and concerns of environmental scientists 

 the world over are also quite similar. In this larger sense, we are our 

 brother's brother, and have the ability to understand our fellowman and 

 his dilemma, if we but take the trouble to do so. It is this singular 

 idea of concerned scientists exchanging views with colleagues that pro- 

 vides the basic strength for this project. While our methods may vary, 

 our goals are identical, and therein lies the value of such a coopera- 

 tive effort. 



Wayland R. Swain, Ph.D. 

 Project Officer, U.S. Side 



