With contributions from international experts, this reference covers all aspects of estuaries from the physiological to the economical. Using a comparative case study of two French estuaries, the text demonstrates the state-of-the-art science required to assess the estuary paradox. The two estuaries detailed here provide a full-spectrum of chemical and toxicological exposure and effects. Although the focus is on a specific region, the book covers a broad range of environmental issues and solutions. Understanding the observations about this region allow it to serve as a benchmark when assessing, remediating, and applying new developments to other estuaries.