Environmental Impacts And Bioremediation Of Uranium Vi And The Transuranic Elements

High levels of radioactive wastes are created during uranium mining and uranium processing for the production of nuclear fuels for power and weapons. Coal-fired power plants and fertilizer manufacture are also sources of uranium pollution. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental impacts of uranium and transuranic wastes and the use of bioremediation, an emerging ecologically-compatible technique, to reduce contamination. Part one introduces the issue of environmental pollution with uranium and transuranic wastes. Part two then discusses the behaviour of uranium and transuranic wastes in the natural environment. Lastly parts three and four address the applications of biological treatment systems for bioremediation of contaminated sites. Comprehensive coverage of the issue of environmental pollution with uranium and transuranic wastes In-depth analysis of the behaviour of uranium and transuranic wastes in the natural environment Explores the applications of biological treatment systems for bioremediation of contaminated sites

Many environmental processes are influenced, if not controlled, by microbial action and it is becoming increasingly important to develop an understanding of microbial roles in geochemistry. This book brings together state of the art research into microbiological processes and the extent to which they affect or can be used to control radioactive elements. The basic principles and fundamental mechanisms by which microbes and radionuclides interact are outlined, the methodology described, potential microbial influences on waste repositories examined, direct and indirect effects on transport both on local and global scales considered and potential technological applications identified. The book is directed towards advanced undergraduate students, postgraduates and researchers in the areas of environmental radioactivity, environmental microbiology, biotechnology and radioactive waste management. It will also be of interest to regulators, policy makers and non-governmental organisations. This novel and timely book offers a fully integrated approach to a topical international issue.

Bioremediation technologies are gaining immense credibility in the field of waste management because of their eco-compatibility nature. Biomass can interact and confront with water and soil pollutants in both active (live) as well as passive (dead) way, thereby offering numerous opportunities of exploring them for environmental clean-up. In 21st century, wastes are no longer a waste but are recognized as a valuable Resource. Employing novel and integrated strategies for the development of modern bioremediation processes is desperate need of the hour. This edited book on Applied Bioremediation - Active and Passive Approaches contains mix of interesting chapters that will certainly add to the advancement of knowledge and will provide the required valuable resource and stimulus to the researchers worldwide.

In recent years, radioactive contamination in the environment by uranium (U) and its daughters has caused increasing concerns globally. This book provides recent developments and comprehensive knowledge to the researchers and academicians who are working on uranium contaminated areas worldwide. This book covers topics ranging from the beginning of the nuclear age until today, including historical views and epidemiological studies. Modelling practices and evaluation of radiological and chemical impact of uranium on man and the environment are included. Also covered are analytical methods used for the determination of uranium in geo/bio environments. Some chapters explore factors which influence uranium speciation and in consequence plant uptake/translocation. Last but not least, several chapters provide approaches and practices for remediation of uranium contaminated areas.

This book focuses on two key issues confronting humanity, viz., energy and environment. There is a need to devise strategies for protecting the environment, at the same time adequately meeting the ever-growing energy needs of the world. Harnessing the power of microbes is one step towards finding cheap, green and sustainable solutions to the problems of energy and environment. The book is divided into eight major topics. These topics include emerging trends in microbial biotechnology, harnessing sustainable energy sources from microorganisms, mechanistics of bioenergy production, bioenergy from wastes and pollutant removal, microalgae for biofuels, bioremediation technologies for petroleum hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and xenobiotics, bioremediation of nuclear wastes, and the role of extremophilic microorganisms in environmental cleanup.

Addressing the persistent environmental threat of organic chemicals with a fresh approach to degradation and transformation processes, Environmental Degradation and Transformation of Organic Chemicals examines a wide range of compounds as well as abiotic and microbiological reactions mediated by microorganisms. The book emphasizes the pathways used

A review of contemporary actinide research that focuses on new advances in experiment and theory, and the interplay between these two realms Experimental and Theoretical Approaches to Actinide Chemistry offers a comprehensive review of the key aspects of actinide research. Written by noted experts in the field, the text includes information on new advances in experiment and theory and reveals the interplay between these two realms. The authors offer a multidisciplinary and multimodal approach to the nature of actinide chemistry, and explore the interplay between multiple experiments and theory, as well as between basic and applied actinide chemistry. The text covers the basic science used in contemporary studies of the actinide systems, from basic synthesis to state-of-the-art spectroscopic and computational techniques. The authors provide contemporary overviews of each topic area presented and describe the current and anticipated experimental approaches for the field, as well as the current and future computational chemistry and materials techniques. In addition, the authors explore the combination of experiment and theory. This important resource: Provides an essential resource the reviews the key aspects of contemporary actinide research Includes information on new advances in experiment and theory, and the interplay between the two Covers the basic science used in contemporary studies of the actinide systems, from basic synthesis to state-of-the-art spectroscopic and computational techniques Focuses on the interplay between multiple experiments and theory, as well as between basic and applied actinide chemistry Written for academics, students, professionals and researchers, this vital text contains a thorough review of the key aspects of actinide research and explores the most recent advances in experiment and theory.

The explosion on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the consequent reactor fire resulted in an unprecedented release of radioactive material from a nuclear reactor and adverse consequences for the public and the environment. Although the accident occurred nearly two decades ago, controversy still surrounds the real impact of the disaster. Therefore the IAEA, in cooperation with other UN bodies, the World Bank, as well as the competent authorities of Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, established the Chernobyl Forum in 2003. The mission of the Forum was to generate 'authoritative consensual statements' on the environmental consequences and health effects attributable to radiation exposure arising from the accident as well as to provide advice on environmental remediation and special health care programmes, and to suggest areas in which further research is required. This report presents the findings and recommendations of the Chernobyl Forum concerning the environmental effects of the Chernobyl accident.