Microalgae are primary producers of oxygen and exhibit an enormous potential for biotechnological applications. Microalgae cultivation is also an interesting option for wastewater treatment. These microorganisms are efficient in recovering high amounts of nitrogen, inorganic phosphorus, and heavy metals from effluents. Furthermore, microalgae are responsible for the reduction of CO2 from gaseous effluent and from the atmosphere, reducing the greenhouse gases effect. On the other hand, microalgae biomass can be used for the production of pigments, lipids, foods, and renewable energy. The culture of microalgae is not a new issue, since for many decades they have been employed with aquaculture purposes. In fact, some species of Nostoc, Arthrospira (Spirulina) and Aphanizomenon species have been used as food for thousands of years for food applications. The treatment of wastewaters employing microalgae has been reported for decades (specifically for the elimination of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds). Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in the production of biofuels. Bioethanol, biohydrogen, bio-methane, biodiesel and other novel products can be obtained using microalgae as biomass or metabolic products (sugars, lipids, etc). In the near future, microalgae can be oriented (via molecular engineering) to the production of the hole biofuels, such as biodiesel or bio-turbosins. Microalgae and Other Phototrophic Bacteria is a book which will provide information for academics students, policy makers and the general public regarding the state of the art in the field, as well as detailed descriptions of the methodologies employed for culture, processing, recovery and new products. Aspects covered by this book are the microalgae and other phototrophic bacteria.

Presently, energy and the environment are closely related issues throughout the world. The indiscriminate use of fossil fuels has resulted in adverse effects on the environment (i.e, excessive production of greenhouse gases, pollution of underground and superficial waters, soil contamination). The international reserves of crude oil are declining, and some pessimistic references refer to an important detriment in the annual oil availability for 2050. Because of these facts, the necessity to develop novel sources of energy, especially fuels from sustainable sources, is mandatory. Such alternative sources of energy (ie: wind, solar, biomass, hydraulic) are potential renewable sources capable of changing the paradigm of productive activities around the world. In many cases, the energy production processes include resources commonly available or even the use of materials that are considered waste (ie: wastewaters, agriculture residues, urban solid wastes). Despite all the desirable characteristics involved, the processes included in the generation of renewable energy may not only positively impact the environment, but may also cause harm on surrounding areas. However, to our knowledge, relatively few works have been published carrying out this type of environmental cost-benefit analysis.

In a world of declining fossil energy, biotechnology explores multiple products and processes hidden in the rich genome of microbes, plants and animals. One of the reasons for the renewed spirit of biotechnology is supported by its capacity to swiftly incorporate the multidisciplinary advances in basic and applied sciences. This book presents a wide range of biotechnology research by the UPIBI community, teachers and students in the past 24 years. Novel methodologies, basic results and new processes are reported in several of the most dynamic fields in biotechnology such as health, energy, food and environment. This effort will certainly be an inspiration for students wishing to join research teams, for academic colleagues in search of new knowledge and for professionals exploring novel ideas or innovative solutions.

The cost of cleaning up water and soil leads to the same undeniable conclusion: Existing models of industrial development are simply not sustainable from an ecological view point and they cost a lot of money in purely economic terms. Mexico is no exemption to this general rule and soil and groundwater contamination are neither here, nor in other Latin American countries a new or emerging issue. As an oil exporting nation, Mexico, historically has paid major attention to hydrocarbon contamination and its implications for the environment, especially when its impact was related to drinking water safety and public health criteria. It is only more recently, that a more generic and holistic approach has emerged, which has included other industrial sectors and their environmental liabilities. This new approach is directed towards the government's and private industry's extended obligation and responsibility in mega-site remediation, brown-field re-vitalisation and the re-urbanisation of degraded land. This book arose from the scientific interest and the environmental preoccupation of researchers and governmental representatives alike. They provide a concise overview of concepts and remediation/sanitation technologies available today. At the same time they bear witness to the wealth of solutions available in order to tackle the inherent and very serious problem of environmental degradation in Mexico.