Sustainable Management of Environmental Contaminants: Eco-friendly Remediation Approaches (Environmental Contamination Remediation and Management)

Environmental contaminants are chemicals that accidentally or deliberately enter the environment, often, but not always, as a result of human activities. Some of these contaminants may have been manufactured for industrial use, and because they are very stable, they do not break down easily. If released to the environment, these contaminants may enter the food chain. Other environmental contaminants are naturally occurring chemicals, but industrial activity may increase their mobility or increase the amount available to circulate in the environment, allowing them to enter the food chain at higher levels than would otherwise occur. Environmental contaminants influence the physiological cell reactions at different and heterogeneous basics and lead to altering in normal cell function primarily at the molecular and biochemical level. Molecular responses to such common environmental stresses have been studied intensively over the last few years, in which there is an intricate network of signaling pathways controlling perception of these environmental stress signals, the generation of second messengers and signal transduction. Recent advances in many areas of plant and microbial research, including genotyping, make scientists optimistic that valuable solutions will be found to allow deployment/commercialization of strategies better able to tolerate these environmental stresses. Environmental remediation was historically viewed as an inherently sustainable activity, as it restores contamination; however, researchers and practitioners are increasingly recognizing that there can be substantial environmental footprints and socioeconomic costs associated with remediation. Sustainability is an imperative in the emerging green and sustainable remediation movement, which is reshaping the entire remediation industry. Understanding the significant roles of sustainable or eco-friendly approaches in mitigating environmental contaminants, the current subject has recently attracted the attention of scientists from across the globe. This comprehensive volume “Sustainable Management of Environmental Contaminants: Eco-friendly Remediation Approaches" highlights the various prospects involved in current scenario. The current volume comprises the chapters from diverse areas dealing with biotechnology, microbial technology, nanotechnology, molecular biology, green and sustainable remediation, etc. I am hopeful that this volume will furnish the requisite of all those who are working or have interest in the current topic. Preface Contents Editor and Contributors 1 Sustainable Management of Environmental Contaminants: Factors, Control, and Phytoremediation 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Phytoremediation in Heavy Metal Toxicity 1.2.1 Phytoremediation as a Sustainable Way: To Restore Heavy Metal-Contaminated Land 1.2.2 Water 1.2.3 Soil 1.2.4 Plant 1.2.5 Food 1.2.6 Health 1.3 Phytoremediation Mechanism and Plants Adaptation 1.3.1 Phytoremediation Harvesting Heavy Metals 1.4 Phytoremediation and Policies Management 1.4.1 Post-Remediation Biomass Management 1.5 Research Policy and Post-remediation Management 1.6 Conclusion and Remarks References 2 Environmental Sustainability with Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) as Plastic Alternatives 2.1 Introduction 2.2 Structure and Properties of Polyhydroxyalkanoates 2.3 Enzymes and Metabolic Pathways Involved in PHA Biosynthesis 2.3.1 PHA-Producing Bacteria 2.3.2 Enzymes and Other Proteins 2.3.3 Metabolic Pathways 2.4 Carbon Sources 2.5 PHA Biodegradation and Life Cycle Analysis 2.5.1 PHA Depolymerases 2.5.2 Biodegradation Evaluation 2.5.3 Life Cycle Assessment 2.6 Conclusion References 3 Advanced Sewage Disinfection Technologies Eco-Friendly with the Environment and Public Health 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Disinfection of Pathogenic Microorganisms Present in Sewage by Conventional Treatments 3.2.1 Chlorine Gas 3.2.2 Chlorine Dioxide 3.2.3 Peracetic Acid 3.2.4 UV Radiation 3.3 Advanced Water Disinfection Technologies Eco-Friendly with the Environment and Public Health 3.3.1 Solar Disinfection (SODIS) 3.3.2 Cavitation (Ultrasonide) 3.3.3 Ozonation 3.3.4 UV-LEDs 3.3.5 Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) 3.3.6 Nanomaterials 3.4 Incidence of the Different Technologies Used on People’s Health and the Environment and the Implications of the Use of Environmentally Friendly Technologies in the Future 3.5 Conclusion References 4 Application of Fungi and Bacteria in the Management of Azo Dyes in the Industrial Effluents 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Azo Dyes 4.3 Use of Azo Dyes and Environmental Impact 4.4 Physical, Chemical, and Biological Treatments for Dye Removal 4.5 Enzymes 4.5.1 Laccases 4.5.2 Lignin Peroxidase 4.5.3 Manganese Peroxidase 4.5.4 Azoreductases 4.6 Fungal Degradation of Azo Dyes 4.6.1 Degradation of Azo Dye by Laccases 4.6.2 Degradation of Azo Dye by Peroxidases 4.6.3 Degradation of Azo Dye by Fungal Cultures 4.7 Bacterial Degradation of Azo Dyes 4.8 Applying of Fungi and Bacteria in the Management of Azo Dyes 4.8.1 Bacterial Process for Azo Dye Degradation 4.8.2 Fungal Process for Azo Dye Degradation 4.8.3 Bioprocesses that Use Enzymes for Azo Dye Decolorization 4.8.4 Immobilization as an Alternative Bioprocess for Dye Decolorization of Wastewater 4.8.5 Bioprocesses Developed with Bacteria and Fungi Immobilized Systems 4.9 Conclusions References 5 Bioremediation: An Effective, Significant and Eco-friendly Approach for Sustainable Management 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Principles of Bioremediation 5.3 Factors Influencing Bioremediation 5.3.1 Physico-chemical Factors Affecting Bioremediation 5.3.2 Biological Factors Influencing Bioremediation 5.3.3 Environmental Factors Influencing Bioremediation Process 5.4 Climate Change and Bioremediation 5.5 Bioremediation Strategies 5.5.1 Ex Situ Bioremediation 5.5.2 In Situ Bioremediation 5.6 Significance of Bioremediation 5.7 Application of Bioremediation for Sustainable Management 5.7.1 Bioremediation of Polluted Soil 5.7.2 Microbial Remediation of Metals in Soils 5.7.3 Bioremediation of Contaminated Underground Aquifers 5.7.4 Anaerobic Metabolism and Bioremediation of Explosives-Contaminated Soil 5.8 Future Scope 5.9 Conclusion References 6 Exploitation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi as a Sustainable Management Strategy for Remediation of Cadmium-Contaminated Soils 6.1 Introduction 6.2 An Overview of Cd Contamination in Soil and Impact on Plants 6.3 Exploiting the Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) Fungi for Restoring Cd-Polluted Soils 6.3.1 Establishment of AM Symbiosis 6.3.2 Impact of Cd on AM Fungal Growth and Development 6.3.3 Diversity of AM Community/Species Richness in Cd-Contaminated Soils 6.3.4 Various Mechanisms Employed by AM Fungi for Conferring Cd Tolerance to Plants 6.4 Conclusions and Future Prospects References 7 Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Species with Potential for Remediation of Metal(loid)-Contaminated Soils 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Impact of Heavy Metals on Growth and Physiological and Biochemical Characteristics of Plants 7.3 Classification of Plants from the Aspect of Metal Accumulation Ability 7.4 Phytoremediation Techniques 7.5 Phytoremediation of Metal/Metalloid-Contaminated Soils Using Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 7.5.1 Phytoremediation of Soils by Medicinal and Aromatic Herbs 7.5.2 Phytoremediation of Soils by Medicinal Succulents 7.5.3 Phytoremediation of Soils by Medicinal Shrubs 7.5.4 Phytoremediation of Soils by Medicinal Trees 7.6 Impact of Soil Metal Contamination on Essential Oils of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 7.7 Conclusion References 8 Heavy Metal Toxicity and Phytoremediation by the Plants of Brassicaceae Family: A Sustainable Management 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Sources and Toxicity of Heavy Metals 8.3 Heavy Metal Uptake and Phytoremediation Potential 8.4 Heavy Metal Transporters 8.5 Mechanism of Phytoremediation 8.6 Physiological Damage 8.7 Micronutrient Status 8.8 Enzymatic Defence Mechanism 8.9 Heavy Metal Chelating and Other Effects 8.10 Biotechnological Process 8.11 New Insights and Innovative Technologies for Improving Phytoremediation 8.11.1 Microbial-Assisted Phytoremediation (PGPR) 8.11.2 AMF Inoculation-Assisted Phytoremediation 8.11.3 Earthworm-Assisted Phytoremediation 8.11.4 Phytohormone-Assisted Phytoremediation 8.11.5 Nanoparticles-Assisted Phytoremediation 8.11.6 Transgenic Approaches 8.12 Future Prospects 8.13 Conclusion References 9 Combating Nanotoxicity in Plants: Green Nanotechnology Perspective for a Sustainable Future 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Mobilization of Nanoparticles in Plants: Interaction, Uptake, and Translocation 9.3 Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Plants 9.4 Green Nanotechnology: A Sustainable Approach 9.4.1 Plant Mediated Synthesis of Nanoparticles 9.4.2 Microbe-Mediated Synthesis of Nanoparticles 9.5 Conclusion References 10 Strategies and Recent Advances in the Management of Waste Present in Soil and Water by Microbes 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Major Sources of Pollution 10.2.1 Soil Pollution 10.2.2 Water Pollution 10.3 Environmental Pollution and Microbial Remediation 10.3.1 Microbiology 10.3.2 The Advantages of Microbial Treatment in Soil and Water 10.3.3 Protection of the Environment Using Microorganisms 10.3.4 Determinant Causes of Micro-fauna Remediation 10.4 Pathways of the Biological Treatment 10.5 Bioremediation of Polluted Soil Applying Microorganisms 10.5.1 The On-Site Techniques Are as Follows 10.5.2 Ex Situ Techniques Are Follows 10.6 Bioremediation of Polluted Water Applying Microorganisms 10.6.1 Assimilation 10.6.2 Adsorption 10.6.3 Biodegradation 10.7 Concluding Remarks References 11 Green Remediation for Sustainable Environment 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Green Resources Used for Remediation 11.2.1 Bacteria 11.2.2 Fungi 11.3 Site Directing Attempts 11.3.1 Protecting Water 11.3.2 Protecting Air 11.4 Advantages of Green Remediation 11.5 Case Studies 11.5.1 In Japan 11.5.2 In Taiwan 11.6 Gaps and Future Prospects 11.7 Conclusion References 12 Application of Nanotechnology in Remediation of Environmental Pollutants 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Contaminants 12.2.1 Remediation of Heavy Metals 12.2.2 Remediation of Organic Pollutants 12.2.3 Remediation of Air Pollutants 12.3 Diverse Nanomaterials in Environmental Remediation 12.3.1 Metal/Metal Oxide Nanoparticles 12.3.2 Carbon-Based Nanomaterials 12.4 Organic Molecule-Based Nanomaterials 12.4.1 Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOF) 12.5 Nanocomposite Membranes 12.6 Polymer-Based Nanomaterials 12.7 Approaches in the Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles and Nanomaterials 12.8 Mechanism of Photocatalytic Degradation of Organics 12.9 Future Prospects References 13 Seed Priming as a Sustainable Solution to Mitigate Salinity and Drought Stress in Plants 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Events Associated with Seed Priming 13.3 Seed Priming and Its Role in Salinity Stress Tolerance in Plants 13.4 Seed Priming and Its Role in Drought Stress Tolerance in Plants 13.5 Conclusion and Future Perspectives References 14 Microbial Biosurfactants: Characterization, Properties, and Environmental Applications 14.1 Introduction 14.2 General Structure of Microbial Surfactants 14.3 General Classification of Biosurfactants 14.4 General Properties of Biosurfactants 14.4.1 Stability to pH and Temperature Changes 14.4.2 Emulsification Ability 14.4.3 Critical Micelle Concentration (CMC) 14.4.4 Interfacial and Surface Tension 14.5 Biosynthesis of Microbial Surfactants Using Waste Products 14.5.1 Organic Natural Waste 14.5.2 Industrial Waste 14.5.3 Lignocellulosic Waste 14.6 Global Market and Application of Biosurfactants 14.6.1 Industrial Applications 14.6.2 Therapeutic Applications 14.6.3 Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology 14.6.4 Detergents and Cleansers 14.6.5 For Encountering Global Pandemics (Like COVID-19) 14.7 Conclusion References 15 Gene–Environment Interaction During Bioremediation 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Man and His Environment 15.3 Environment as a Concept 15.4 Categorization of the Environment 15.5 Coping with These Alterations and Inconsistencies in Nature’s Re-Sharpening of the Environment? 15.6 Natural and Man-Made Interactions in the Environment 15.6.1 Avoidance 15.6.2 Tolerance and Resistance 15.7 The Importance of Genetics in Survival Capacities Through Resistance 15.8 Bioremediation as a Technology 15.9 Mechanisms of Bioremediation 15.9.1 Based on Site of Application 15.9.2 Based on the Type of Organisms Used 15.10 The Scope of Genetic Engineering in Bioremediation 15.10.1 Gene Editing Tools 15.11 Gene–Environment Interactions 15.12 Impact of Environmental Factors on Gene Performance 15.13 Environmental Factors 15.13.1 Influence of Temperature 15.13.2 Influence of Moisture/Humidity 15.13.3 Influence of Oxygen 15.14 Future Research Outlooks 15.15 Conclusion References 16 Myco-Remediation: A Sustainable Biodegradation of Environmental Pollutants 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Fungal Species Involve in Myco-Remediation 16.3 Mechanism of Myco-Remediation 16.3.1 Enzymes Involve in Myco-Remediation 16.3.2 Biochemical Process of Myco-Remediation 16.4 Myco-Remediation of Land Area 16.4.1 Heavy Metal 16.4.2 Pharmaceutical Waste 16.4.3 Herbicides and Pesticides 16.5 Myco-Remediation of Water 16.5.1 Cyanotoxins and Algal Bloom 16.5.2 Dyes and Detergents 16.6 Myco-Remediation of Air Pollutant 16.6.1 Aromatic Hydrocarbons 16.7 Factor Influencing Myco-Remediation 16.8 Conclusions References 17 Achieving Eco-friendly Environment Through Sustainable Management of Solid Wastes in Soil Ecosystem 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Meaning of Solid Wastes 17.3 Forms of Solid Wastes 17.4 Composition of Solid Wastes 17.5 Classification of Solid Wastes 17.5.1 Controlled Wastes 17.5.2 Non-controlled Wastes 17.6 Characteristics of Solid Wastes 17.7 Solid Waste Generation Rates in Some Nigerian Cities and United States of America 17.8 Public Health Significance of Indiscriminate Solid Waste Disposal 17.8.1 Impact on the Surroundings 17.8.2 Impact on the Residents 17.9 Soil as an Ecosystem 17.10 Components of Soil Ecosystem 17.10.1 Mineral 17.10.2 Water 17.10.3 Organic Matter 17.10.4 Gases 17.10.5 Microorganisms 17.11 Dumpsites Locations 17.12 Effect of Heavy Metals on Soil Ecosystem 17.13 Interactions Between Soil Microorganisms and Plants 17.13.1 Mycorrhizae 17.13.2 Rhizosphere 17.14 Solid Waste Management 17.15 Methods of Solid Waste Management 17.15.1 Recycling 17.15.2 Composting 17.15.3 Incineration 17.15.4 Landfill 17.15.5 Pyrolysis 17.15.6 Compaction 17.16 Some Benefits Achieved Through Sustainable Management of Solid Waste in the Environment 17.16.1 Improved Environmental and Public Health 17.16.2 Improved Air Quality 17.16.3 Reduction of Poverty 17.17 Some Challenges Affecting Sustainable Management of Solid Waste 17.17.1 Complexity of Waste Management System 17.17.2 Participation of Different Stakeholders 17.17.3 Inadequate Technological Know-How 17.17.4 Difficulty in Recovering Costs 17.18 Conclusion References 18 Mycoremediation of Agricultural Waste for the Cultivation of Edible Mushroom 18.1 Introduction 18.2 History of Agricultural Waste as Substrate in India 18.3 Mushroom Grow on Agricultural Waste Material 18.4 Supplements and Nutritional Additives Used with Agricultural Wastes 18.5 Combination of Agricultural Waste in Mushroom Cultivation 18.6 Mushroom Potential in Mycoremediation 18.7 Biodegradation 18.8 Biosorption 18.9 Bioconversion 18.10 Optimum Conditions for Cultivation 18.11 A Cost-Effective Way to Improve the Environment and Good for Culinary Purposes and Highly Nutritious 18.12 Benefits of Mushroom 18.13 Mushroom as a Product 18.14 Improving Digestion with Mushrooms 18.15 Cancer-Fighting Mushrooms 18.16 Achieving Weight Loss with Mushrooms 18.17 Conclusion and Future Aspects References 19 Removal of Organic Dyes from Wastewaters Using Metal Oxide Nanoparticles 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Water Treatment 19.2.1 Nano Photocatalysts 19.2.2 Photocatalytic Degradation 19.2.3 Disadvantages and Advantages of Nano-photocatalysts 19.2.4 Metal Oxide Nanoparticles 19.3 Conclusion References 20 Thiourea can Mitigate the Adverse Effect of Ozone on Crop Productivity 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Ozone: An Environmental Stress Factor Limiting Crop Productivity 20.3 Mechanisms by Which Ozone Stress Damages Crop Plants 20.4 Mitigating Ozone Stress in Crops 20.5 Role of Ethylene Diurea in Mitigating Ozone Stress in Crops 20.6 Possible Role of Thiourea for Mitigating Ozone Stress in Crops 20.7 Concluding Remarks and Outlook References 21 Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Urban Water Management 21.1 Introduction 21.2 Urban Water Challenges 21.2.1 Water Pollution 21.3 Water Management Status in Pakistan 21.4 Urban Water Management 21.4.1 Wastewater Re-use 21.4.2 Wastewater Treatment 21.5 Strategies and Potential Solutions 21.5.1 Policies and Institutional Setup 21.5.2 Barriers for Risk Reduction 21.5.3 Water Pricing System and Water Use Efficiency 21.5.4 Mitigation of Non-point Source Pollution and Urban Flooding 21.6 Conclusion References