Principles and Applications of Environmental Biotechnology for a Sustainable Future (Applied Environmental Science and Engineering for a Sustainable Future)

This textbook on Environmental Biotechnology not only presents an unbiased overview of the practical biological approaches currently employed to address environmental problems, but also equips readers with a working knowledge of the science that underpins them. Starting with the fundamentals of biotechnology, it subsequently provides detailed discussions of global environmental problems including microbes and their interaction with the environment, xenobiotics and their remediation, solid waste management, waste water treatment, bioreactors, biosensors, biomining and biopesticides. This book also covers renewable and non-renewable bioenergy resources, biodiversity and its conservation, and approaches to monitoring biotechnological industries, genetically modified microorganism and foods so as to increase awareness. All chapters are written in a highly accessible style, and each also includes a short bibliography for further research. In summary this textbook offers a valuable asset, allowing students, young researchers and professionals in the biotechnology industry to grasp the basics of environmental biotechnology. Front Matter....Pages i-xxiii Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology....Pages 1-12 Global Environmental Problems....Pages 13-41 Microbes and Environment....Pages 43-84 Bioremediation of Plant Refuges and Xenobiotics....Pages 85-142 Management and Remediation of Problem Soils, Solid Waste and Soil Pollution....Pages 143-171 Wastewater Treatment....Pages 173-232 Bioreactors....Pages 233-272 Biopesticides....Pages 273-292 Renewable and Nonrenewable Energy Resources: Bioenergy and Biofuels....Pages 293-314 Biodiversity and Its Conservation....Pages 315-340 Biosensors....Pages 341-363 Environmental Control of Biotechnology Industries....Pages 365-391 Bioleaching and Biomining....Pages 393-423 Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and Environment....Pages 425-465 Degradable Polymers and Plastics of the Future: Steps Toward Environmental Sustainability, Regulations, and Safety Aspects....Pages 467-487