Environment Biotechnology

Environmental Biotechnology: A Biosystems Approach introduces a systems approach to environmental biotechnology and its applications to a range of environmental problems. A systems approach requires a basic understanding of four disciplines: environmental engineering, systems biology, environmental microbiology, and ecology. These disciplines are discussed in the context of their application to achieve specific environmental outcomes and to avoid problems in such applications. The book begins with a discussion of the background and historical context of contemporary issues in biotechnology. It then explains the scientific principles of environmental biotechnologies; environmental biochemodynamic processes; environmental risk assessment; and the reduction and management of biotechnological risks. It describes ways to address environmental problems caused or exacerbated by biotechnologies. It also emphasizes need for professionalism in environmental biotechnological enterprises. This book was designed to serve as a primary text for two full semesters of undergraduate study (e.g., Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology or Advanced Environmental Biotechnology). It will also be a resource text for a graduate-level seminar in environmental biotechnology (e.g., Environmental Implications of Biotechnology). * Provides a systems approach to biotechnologies which includes the physical, biological, and chemical processes in context * Case studies include cutting-edge technologies such as nanobiotechnologies and green engineering * Addresses both the applications and implications of biotechnologies by following the life-cycle of a variety of established and developing biotechnologies

Biotechnology impinges on everyone's lives. It is one of the major technologies of the twenty-first century with wide-ranging, multidisciplinary activities ranging from small entities of life to the application, and production of goods. Environmental biotechnology is a huge and fast growing field with increasing relevance for a sustainable development through protection of environment to production of biomaterials. It continues to revolutionize the understanding of basic life sustaining processes in the environment, identification and exploitation of the molecules, and its use to provide clean technologies and to deal with environmental problems. This book provides an overview of basic processes of the environment, perturbations in the environment due to natural and human activities and use of biotechnological principles for remediation for sustainable development of the environment.

Modern environmental technologies are indeed designed to enhance cost efficiencies and productivity. The current proposal aims to provide a comprehensive view of modern environmental approaches for wastewater treatment, heavy metal removal, pesticide degradation, dye removal, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, solid waste management, biosensor technology and the role of nanobiotechnology in the effective removal of pollutants from the environment. Biomass conservation technologies, biopesticides and microbial transformation of environmental contaminants are some other interesting titles covered in this proposed book. We anticipate that this book will be able to provide a comprehensive, accessible, up-to-date information about recent advancements in environmental biotechniques and the roles of the microbial community in bioremediation, providing instant access to environmentalists, biotechnologists, environmental engineers, and students from diverse streams of biotechnology and environmental engineering.

An Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology provides an introduction to the subject of environmental biotechnology. Environmental biotechnology refers to the use of micro-organisms and other living systems to solve current environmental problems such as the detoxification of pollutants and clean-up of oil tanker spills. Additionally, it refers to the biotechnology of the agricultural environment, as well as the use of biopesticides and the application of microorganisms to the mining, metal recovery and paper industries. This is the only comprehensive introductory account of this subject matter. Beginning with an introduction to microbial growth, An Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology aims to provide the non-specialist with a complete overview of environmental biotechnology. It is presented in an easy to read style with illustrations and includes frequent references to the use of higher plants as well as micro-organisms in environmental biotechnology. An Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology is geared toward a non-specialist audience, including engineers and environmental chemists, and environmental scientists who have limited knowledge of microbiology and biotechnology.

Environmental Biotechnology discusses the development, use and regulation of biological systems for remediation of contaminated environments and for environmentally friendly processes. Written in a lucid style, the book should be useful to students of both engineering and biosciences.

Environmental sustainability is one of the biggest issues faced by the mankind. Rapid & rampant industrialization has put great pressure on the natural resources. To make our planet a sustainable ecosystem, habitable for future generations & provide equal opportunity for all the living creatures we not only need to make corrections but also remediate the polluted natural resources. The low-input biotechnological techniques involving microbes and plants can provide the solution for resurrecting the ecosystems. Bioremediation and biodegradation can be used to improve the conditions of polluted soil and water bodies. Green energy involving biofuels have to replace the fossil fuels to combat pollution & global warming. Biological alternatives (bioinoculants) have to replace harmful chemicals for maintaining sustainability of agro-ecosystems. The book will cover the latest developments in environmental biotech so as to use in clearing and maintaining the ecosystems for sustainable future.

Gilbert S. Omenn Dean, School of Public Health and Community Medicine University of Washington Seattle, Washington 98195 On behalf of the University of Washington , the City of Seattle, the Steering Committee, and the sponsoring agencies, corporations, and organ izations, I welcome you. \Ve all expect this Conference to stimulate further what is becoming an important application of biotechnology in an area in which our society experiences considerable frustration and gloom: the management of hazardous wastes. It is an all-too-frequent refrain that technology has its benefits and its risks. To many--in the lay pUblic, at least--the damaging notion has taken hold that we are capable of creating problems but are less capable of finding solutions. Chemical streams from industry, agriculture, municipal operations, and household operations have contaminated groundwater, drinking water, and soils, and have undermined the productivity of agri culture and the quality of life. In the meantime, however, we have im proved our quality of life in immeasurable ways through some related developments. The challenge is to continue the enhancements while modifying or preventing the damage.