Urban Ecology covers the latest theoretical and applied concepts in urban ecological research. This book covers the key environmental issues of urban ecosystems as well as the human-centric issues, particularly those of governance, economics, sociology and human health. The goal of Urban Ecology is to challenge readers' thinking around urban ecology from a resource-based approach to a holistic and applied field for sustainable development. There are seven major themes of the book: emerging urban concepts and urbanization, land use/land cover change, urban social-ecological systems, urban environment, urban material balance, smart, healthy and sustainable cities and sustainable urban design. Within each section, key concepts such as monitoring the urbanization phenomena, land use cover, urban soil fluxes, urban metabolism, pollution and human health and sustainable cities are covered. Urban Ecology serves as a comprehensive and advanced book for students, researchers, practitioners and policymakers in urban ecology and urban environmental research, planning and practice.

Provides a comprehensive discussion on adaptive mechanisms of plants through their eco-physiological responses to various biotic and abiotic stresses. Elaborates upon the recent techniques involved in eco-physiological research. A detailed account on evolutionary responses of plants to changing climate is provided. Recent research results and some pointers to future advancements in eco-physiological research. Information presented in an accessible way for students, researchers and teachers practicing in plant physiology and ecology.

This book presents a collection of cross-disciplinary research, with contributions addressing all key features of the plant/microbe/ENP nexus in agro-ecosystems. The uptake, transport and transformation of nanoparticles in plants have attracted more and more attention in the past several years. Especially, the impact of Engineered Nanoparticles (ENPs) on bioprocesses; low-, medium- and high-level dose responses in the microbial community of soil; and long-, medium- and short-term exposure responses, particularly microbial nitrogen transformations, are just a few of the aspects involved. Since ENPs are used in many industries, including cosmetics, agriculture, medicine, food technology and waste management, their transport through biogeochemical cycles is an important focus of many studies today. Specifically, ENP-microbe interaction has been analysed with regard to disease treatment for plants; it plays a vital role in disease inhibition by releasing metal ions that act through many pathways - e.g. reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, DNA transformation and disruption of the cell cycle - to stop cell growth in the pathogen. Due to these properties, ENPs are also used as slow release or delayed release pesticides and fungicides, and as carrier systems for growth-promoting hormones. Despite their multiple uses in various industries, the negative effects of ENPs are still a major concern for the scientific community and consumers alike. For example, their transport to various food chains has been reported to have adverse effects. This raises a degree of doubt concerning a rapidly growing scientific field with major applications in many industries. From a sustainable development perspective and particularly to ensure food security in light of the uncertainty accompanying climate change, it is imperative to address this divergence by focusing on the plant/microbe/ENP nexus.

Waste Management and Resource Recycling in the Developing World provides a unique perspective on the state of waste management and resource recycling in the developing world, offering practical solutions based on innovative tools and technologies, along with examples and case studies. The book is organized by waste type, including electronic, industrial and biomedical/hazardous, with each section covering advanced techniques, such as remote sensing and GIS, as well as socioeconomic factors, transnational transport and policy implications. Waste managers, environmental scientists, sustainability practitioners, and engineers will find this a valuable resource for addressing the challenges of waste management in the developing world. There is high potential for waste management to produce energy and value-added products. Sustainable waste management based on a circular economy not only improves sanitation, it also provides economic and environmental benefits. In addition to waste minimization, waste-to-economy and waste-to-energy have become integral parts of waste management practices. A proper waste management strategy not only leads to reduction in environmental pollution but also moves toward generating sufficient energy for improving environmental sustainability in coming decades.