The world's population is expected to reach the eight billion mark very soon. As a result, there is a need for increased industrial and agricultural production to ensure human wellbeing. This in turn generates huge amounts of waste. Current waste treatment solutions are effective, but usually require huge capital investment, are labour intensive and potentially lead to hazardous by-products. This book presents the latest non-biological approaches to address issues related to the abundance of waste, offering insights into best practices in various regions around the globe. It highlights techniques such as chemical extraction, pyrolysis and ultrasonics, and a number of chapters include individual case studies to further enhance readers' understanding. This comprehensive reference resource is intended for graduate students, researchers and scientists, and is also a valuable addition to all agriculture and biotechnology libraries.

This book presents a complete state of the art for different types of nanomaterial, their environmental fate, and their use in textile waste remediation. Nano-engineered materials including nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanotubes have been used extensively for a variety of applications. Environmental concerns have been noted mainly due to the discharge of textile waste. Nanotechnology is fast growing on research and bringing sustainable solution in minimizing the waste. This also minimizes the risk of exposure and health hazards. With the development of industry, environmental pollution and energy shortage have raised awareness of a potential global crisis. So, it is urgent to develop a simple and effective method to address these current issues. Nano-engineered materials can be better solution in finding solution of environmental sustainability more specific to the textile waste remediation. Nano-engineered materials have emerged as pioneering photocatalysts and account for most of the current research in this area. This can provide large surface areas, diverse morphologies, abundant surface states, and easy device modeling, all of which are properties beneficial to photodegradation. Furthermore, the stability and cost of nano-engineered materials are critical factors. Therefore, it is a challenge of great importance to identify and design nano-engineered materials that are efficient, stable, and abundant for the remediation of textile waste.

The many thousands of human-made and other chemical compounds present in the environment offer a serious challenge to our btosphere. It is appropriate, therefore, that our response to these products of human kno- edge and ingenuity should draw on a body of mtenstve scientific endeavor that is no less impressive. Bioremediation offers the possibility of harnessing the diversity of the biosphere to degrade, remove, alter, or otherwise detoxify these various chemicals. It brings together scientists from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds, such as microbiology, molecular biology, a- lytical chemistry, and chemical and environmental engineering, among o- ers. These different fields, each with its own individual approach, have actively contributed to the development of bioremediation research tn recent years. The prmcipal objective of Bioremediation Protocols is to make the fruits of some of this research available in a different format to that of the textbook or journal article. It provides a selection of clearly written laboratory pro- cols presented as stepwise, easy-to-follow mstructions. In common with p- wous volumes in this and the companion Methods in Molecular Biology series, an extensive "Notes" section is provided with each chapter. This contains u- ful mformation (of a type often not normally included m a research paper) supplementmg the protocol. Reviews and case studies are also included to provide a deeper context to the methods chapters.

This edited book discusses the latest advancements in the area of biofuel development. It covers extensive information regarding different aspects and types of biofuels. The book provides a road map of the various kinds of biofuels available for consideration. It focuses on microbial based power generation, applications of nanotechnology in biofuel development, advancements in molecular techniques, economic and life cycle assessments. The book also highlights the commercialization prospects and economics of the various processes and an overview of the life cycle assessment of the various different kinds of biofuels. The contributors are experienced professors, academicians and scientists associated with renowned laboratories and institutes in India and abroad. This book is of interest to teachers, researchers, biofuel scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. Also the book serves as additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students. National and international scientists, policy makers will also find this to be a useful read.

This book surveys existing literature from both waste management and behavioural sciences to offer a complete overview of how economic agents relate to a central matter in the policy making agenda: that of waste prevention and recycling. Environmental behavioural economics is a growing field of research, yet investigation in this area concentrates mostly on energy savings or pollution reduction. The authors highlight the importance of the role of waste management, analysing the effect of monetary and non-monetary incentives and motivations, and explores the complex interplay between motivations, recycling, minimisation and waste policies to affect consumer behaviour. This book will be of interest to researchers and policy-makers in the fields of waste management and environmental economics.

This book presents the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Research Workshop Wastewater Reuse - Risk Assessment, Decision-Making and Environmental Security, held in Istanbul in October, 2006. The papers survey the current state of water management in the world and especially the Middle East and Mediterranean regions, and address some of the most difficult international conflicts. Wastewater, a by-product of agricultural, industrial or domestic water use, can be an environmental hazard causing damage to soil and to water resources. However, as demonstrated in many of the papers, it can also be a benefit if exploited correctly. Papers presented cover in great detail and depth the risk assessment, decision-making approaches and environmental security. Information about design, installation, management of wastewater treatment facilities, and use for saline water is provided by experts from the EU, UNESCO, World Bank, United States, Canada and other contributing agencies.

This book focuses on the water-energy-climate nexus, which can be used to improve energy security and quality of life for millions of people in developing countries. It enhances the reader's understanding of the link between energy and climate, through the development of new approaches to and methods for energy generation, energy use, and climate change adaptation and resilience. By presenting case studies and research reports, the book addresses the relevant issues needed in order to analyze and successfully implement technologies in the water-energy-climate nexus. It focuses on the contributions of higher education institutions in terms of capacity-building for energy efficiency, energy access and energy security, as they relate to climate change mitigation. The book combines results from the authors' own research with detailed analyses, and the research presented lays the foundation for innovative new concepts and ideas, which the authors subsequently discuss. The book will appeal to all those interested in the links between energy issues, sustainability and climate change, as it focuses on the exchange between science and technology experts, as well as decision makers. It also supports students studying renewable energies and energy security, while serving as a valuable reference source for researchers, professionals, practitioners and scientists.

This volume discusses how small bioreactors can produce useful biogas and compost from biodegradable waste. The authors identify which biodegradable wastes are optimal for small bioreactors, and how these choices can be used to increase bioreactor productivity. Additionally, readers will learn about how the amount and composition of biogas is estimated, the concentration of biodegradable waste that needs to be supplied to a bioreactor, the development of small bioreactors including the ratio of cost to the obtained benefits, and the nature of biodegradable wastes generated by both small farms and large food industry enterprises. The beginning chapters explain what biodegradable waste is, show how to predict how much waste an enterprise will produce, and elaborate the characteristics of the biogas which is generated from biodegradable waste in small bioreactors. Then the book discusses the types of small bioreactors and how to select the optimal bioreactor for a given case. Bioreactor performance is analyzed on both an economical and production efficiency basis, with experimental results provided on the quantity and quality of the biogas produced. The final chapters address how small bioreactors can be incorporated into small biogas plants, and the potential use of small bioreactors in countries with high demand for alternative energy using the case of Lithuania. The audience for this work includes specialists in biodegradable waste management and utilization enterprises, designers, and academics, researchers and students engaged in environmental engineering.

This volume, unlike the three preceding it, represents the collected papers from an experiment with an "electronic symposium." Co-participators in this symposium included The George Washington University, The Smithsonian Institution, Clark Atlanta University, the Agriculture Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture, The University of Georgia, Morris Brown College, Spellman College, Morehouse College, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, The United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture among others. This unusual "electronic symposium" concept was developed by members of the Program, Planning and Organizing Committee as an alternative to the more costly convention-type symposium. As before, leading scientists in specific topic areas were invited to participate. Topic Session chairpersons were encouraged to arrange their own method of communication by telephone, electronic mail, or conference call, and report their findings back to the symposium center at The George Washington University. Additional papers were accepted from individuals and laboratories who are actively involved in relevant areas of research and study. Participation was also arranged for internationally established scientists. International authors are represented herein from Nigeria, Italy, Spain, Brazil and Argentina. Our goal was to present a research composite volume that reflected current developments, informed reviews, new and recently developing areas of the present state of knowledge as it relates to these proceeding topics. All of the reports included in this volume have undergone scientific, technical and editorial peer review.

This book focuses on the utilization of bio-resources and their conversion pathways for a sustainable future. Tapping into bio-resources by means of thermochemical and biochemical processes has attracted researchers from all over the world; it is a broad area that has given birth to concepts like the biorefinery, as well as a new stream known as biotechnology. Its scope includes biochemical and microbiological engineering, biocatalysis and biotransformation, biosynthesis and metabolic engineering, bioprocess and biosystem engineering, bioenergy and biorefineries, cell culture and biomedical engineering, food, agricultural and marine biotechnology, bioseparation and biopurification engineering, bioremediation and environmental biotechnology, etc. The book discusses a host of new technologies now being used to tap these resources with innovative bioprocesses. All chapters are based on outstanding research papers selected for and presented at the IconSWM 2018 conference.

This book describes emerging and established industrial processes of biomining technologies used for the recovery of metals of economic interest from, e.g. mineral ores, mining and electronic wastes using microbiological technologies. Multiple chapters focus on engineering design and operation of biomining systems. Several industrial case studies from China, Chile, Peru, Russia/Kazakhstan and Finland are included, which emphasises the practical approach of the book. The reader not only learns more about the biology, diversity and ecology of microorganisms involved in biomining processes, but also about microbial biomolecular and cultivation tools used in the biomining industry. Special emphasis is put on emerging biotechnologies enabling the use of biomining for recycling metals from e-wastes, waste streams and process waters. Finally, the future impacts and direction of biomining towards sustainability in a metal-demanding world are also highlighted. The book is aimed at an interdisciplinary audience involving operators and researchers working across disciplines including geology, chemical engineering, microbiology and molecular biology. This is reflected by the content of this book, as well as by its authors, who are all leading practitioners and authorities in their fields.

This book critically evaluates recently investigated feedstock for biofuels production. Biofuel sector is rapidly evolving to cater the renewable energy demands. Novel and advanced feedstock are being investigated for their techno-economic feasibility. Environmental concerns, food vs fuel debate, energy security, economic feasibility, and availability are the major drivers for exploring different feedstock for biofuel production. This book explores a wide range of potential biofuels feedstock, their functional concepts, recent advancement, novel technique and critical evaluation with other available biofuel feedstock. This book also discusses future prospects of biofuel production. It is a useful read for students, researchers, faculty, industry and policy makers in the biofuel field.

The proceedings in this work present 60 papers on mine and mill tailings and mine waste, as well as current and future issues facing the mining and environmental communities. This includes matters dealing with technical capabilities and developments, regulations, and environmental concerns.

Advances in Frontier Research on Engineering Structures focuses on the research of advanced structures and anti-seismic design in civil engineering. The proceedings present the most cutting-edge research directions and achievements related to civil and structural engineering. Topics covered in the proceedings include: * Engineering Structure and Seismic Resistance * Structural Mechanics Analysis * Components and Materials * Structural Seismic Design * 3D Printing Concrete * Other Related Topics The works of this proceedings will promote development of civil and structural engineering, resource sharing, flexibility and high efficiency. Thereby, promote scientific information interchange between scholars from the top universities, research centers and high-tech enterprises working all around the world.

This book, along with its companion volume, discusses the research needs, institutional modifications, and legislative changes that must be addressed to deal more effectively with the risks of hazardous materials. Prominent among the research needs is the necessity to assess the health effects of low-level exposure to toxicants. For none of these agents (lead, mercury, radiation, PCDDs, dioxins, PCBs, pesticides) is the existing toxicological data sufficient to define unambiguously the dose-effect relationship in the low-dose domain. Another uncertainty is our ignorance of how individuals within the human population may vary in susceptibility to the agents because of differences in genetic background, age, sex, diet, health status and exposure to extraneous environmental influences. Also identified among the research needs are methods for improving the technology of waste disposal, waste reduction, and waste recycling. Institutional changes necessary are the commitment to long-term, pro-active, prevention-oriented objectives; institutional mechanisms to achieve better consistency and coordination among different agencies; improvement in the reliability, credibility, and effectiveness with which institutions communicate risk-assessments and risk-management policies; and provision for more adequate education and training of all who must be involved. Finally, the need for certain legislative changes is considered, including better use of incentives, such as taxation and price support mechanisms; better use of enforcement provisions; statutes that address cross-media patterns of human exposure; and greater federal-state-local coordination in risk-assessment and risk-management activities.

This book provides an overview of the lastest developments in biobased materials and their applications in food packaging. Written by experts in their respective research domain, its thirteen chapters discuss in detail fundamental knowledge on bio based materials. It is intended as a reference book for researchers, students, research scholars, academicians and scientists seeking biobased materials for food packaging applications.

This book presents an up-to-date overview of the characterization, risk assessment and remediation of mercury-contaminated sites. Many industrial activities, including the mining of gold, silver, and mercury itself, have caused mercury contamination of terrestrial and aquatic systems. Unlike other metals, which are generally not very volatile, mercury from contaminated sites can have a significant impact on remote ecosystems via the atmospheric pathway. Thus, mercury contamination is not only a local issue, but also has global dimensions.This book summarizes, for the first time, works from Europe, Russia and the American continent. Review chapters are supplemented by detailed, international case studies.

This book is the third volume in a three-volume set on Solid Waste Engineering and Management. It focuses on tourism industry waste, rubber tire recycling, electrical and electronic wastes, health-care waste, landfill leachate, bioreactor landfill, energy recovery, innovative composting, biodrying, and health and safety considerations pertaining to solid waste management.. The volumes comprehensively discuss various contemporary issues associated with solid waste pollution management, impacts on theenvironmental and vulnerable human populations, and solutions to these problems.

Drawing on contributions from more than thirty scholars and experts in the field, this book examines the role of business as an enabler, as an inhibitor, and ultimately as a co-actor in global sustainability transformations expected over the next few decades. The Role of Business in Global Sustainability Transformations employs several theoretical perspectives and provides abundant examples and cases to discuss a variety of emerging concepts, phenomena, and trends shaping business sustainability. Weaving through the chapters, the editors present core tensions and sources of inertia towards transformative change, and acknowledge that envisioning multiple solutions and pathways are possible and desirable. They advocate for the need to align visions, actions and time horizons between policy, society and business in addressing the interlinked socio-ecological challenges that our society currently faces. This book will be an important resource for scholars and professionals working in the field of sustainability and sustainable business, and a vital educational text for students interested in this discipline.

This book addresses a complex issue - water sustainability - that requires a combined approach to manage both water and energy. It highlights several technologies that have been introduced to study the water-energy linkage. It also discusses the need to develop effective laws for water management. In turn, the book assesses hybrid biological systems and demonstrates why they are better for the wastewater treatment process. Lastly, it reviews wastewater quality requirements, which have been the primary driver of industrial wastewater treatment programs in India. Gathering selected, high-quality research papers presented at the IconSWM 2018 conference, the book offers a valuable asset, not only for researchers and academics, but also for industrial practitioners and policymakers.

This book, along with its companion volume, discusses the research needs, institutional modifications, and legislative changes that must be addressed to deal more effectively with the risks of hazardous materials. Prominent among the research needs is the necessity to assess the health effects of low-level exposure to toxicants. For none of these agents (lead, mercury, radiation, PCDDs, dioxins, PCBs, pesticides) is the existing toxicological data sufficient to define unambiguously the dose-effect relationship in the low-dose domain. Another uncertainty is our ignorance of how individuals within the human population may vary in susceptibility to the agents because of differences in genetic background, age, sex, diet, health status, and exposure to extraneous environmental influences. Also identified among the research needs are methods for improving the technology of waste disposal, waste reduction, and waste recycling. Institutional changes necessary are the commitment to long-term, pro-active, prevention-oriented objectives; institutional mechanisms to achieve better consistency and coordination among different agencies; improvement in the reliability, credibility, and effectiveness with which institutions communicate risk-assessments and risk-management policies; and provision for more adequate education and training of all who must be involved. Finally, the need for certain legislative changes is considered, including better use of incentives, such as taxation and price support mechanisms; better use of enforcement provisions; statutes that address cross-media patterns of human exposure; and greater federal-state-local coordination in risk-assessment and risk-management activities.

This book presents an overview of the characterization of electronic waste. In addition, processing techniques for the recovery of metals, polymers and ceramics are described. This book serves as a source of information and as an educational technical reference for practicing scientists and engineers, as well as for students.

Issues associated with biohazardous waste have come into sharp focus in recent years due to public concern over AIDS and the medical waste wash-ups along U.S. beaches and coastal communities in 1988. This comprehensive volume covers all important areas of biohazardous waste management, from regulation to collection to disposal.

Promoting safe, sensible, and ecologically sound solutions throughout, this book

• Discusses risk assessment in terms of human health, persistence of pathogens in the environment, and how these relate to methods of waste disposal
• Deals with questions of policy and environmental regulations that include workplace health and safety and public health issues
• Reviews the medical industry's standards and guidelines for dealing with its waste stream and how they fit in with the EPA's program of medical waste tracking
• Details specific waste management strategies for both major facilities and home healthcare
• Examines the available technologies for dealing with biohazardous waste, particularly incineration and steam sterilization
• Reviews the many alternative treatment technologies, including specifics of newly developed systems and procedures for evaluating their effectiveness and safety
• Lists resources and contacts to help keep up with new technologies and management techniques, and includes appendices with federal and state OSHA contacts and state medical waste contacts
• Provides many illustrations to highlight the text

For professionals in public health, medicine, and waste management; regulatory officials at all levels of government; and environmental scientists and engineers, this volume brings the field of biohazardous waste up-to-date while serving as an excellent guide and reference to some of the more compelling issues of our time.

This book is not designed to be an exhaustive work on mine wastes. It aims to serve undergraduate students who wish to gain an overview and an understanding of wastes produced in the mineral industry. An introductory textbook addressing the science of such wastes is not available to students despite the importance of the mineral industry as a resource, wealth and job provider. Also, the growing imp- tance of the topics mine wastes, mine site pollution and mine site rehabilitation in universities, research organizations and industry requires a textbook suitable for undergraduate students. Until recently, undergraduate earth science courses tended to follow rather classical lines, focused on the teaching of palaeontology, cryst- lography, mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, structural geology, and ore deposit geology. However, today and in the future, earth science teachers and students also need to be familiar with other subject areas. In particular, earth science curriculums need to address land and water degradation as well as rehabili- tion issues. These topics are becoming more important to society, and an increasing number of earth science students are pursuing career paths in this sector. Mine site rehabilitation and mine waste science are examples of newly emerging disciplines. This book has arisen out of teaching mine waste science to undergraduate and graduate science students and the frustration at having no appropriate text which documents the scienti?c fundamentals of such wastes.