This interdisciplinary work deals with the bacterial degradation of organic and inorganic materials such as prosthetic devices and the consequent production of non-engineered nanoparticles (NPs). Focus is put on the interaction of these, often toxic, NPs with the environment, the microorganisms and the host human body. Electron Microscopy is the method of choice to investigate bacterial colonization and degradation of plastic polymers. Hence one section of the book is fully dedicated to the most recent and interesting microscopy technologies in microbiology and soft matters. The final chapter of the book on the complex and multivariate relationships between a microscopist and electron microscopy images is dedicated to Lyubov Vasilievna Didenko (1958 – 2015), a passionate researcher who contributed substantially to the field of Electron Microscopy research and its applications in studying bacterial-polymer interactions. The book addresses researchers and advanced students working in general and clinical microbiology, nanobiology, materials sciences and image analysis fields.

POLLUTANTS AND WATER MANAGEMENT Pollutants and Water Management: Resources, Strategies and Scarcity delivers a balanced and comprehensive look at recent trends in the management of polluted water resources. Covering the latest ­practical and theoretical aspects of polluted water management, the distinguished academics and authors emphasize indigenous practices of water resource management, the scarcity of clean water, and the future of the water system in the context of an increasing urbanization and globalization. The book details the management of contaminated water sites, including heavy metal contaminations in surface and subsurface water sources. It details a variety of industrial activities that typically pollute water, such as those involving crude oils and dyes. In its discussion of recent trends in abatement strategies, Pollutants and Water Management includes an exploration of the application of microorganisms, like bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and cyanobacteria, for the management of environmental contaminants. Readers will also discover a wide variety of other topics on the conservation of water sources including: The role of government and the public in the management of water resource pollution The causes of river system pollution and potential future scenarios in the abatement of river pollution Microbial degradation of organic pollutants in various water bodies The advancement in membrane technology used in water treatment processes Lead contamination in groundwater and recent trends in abatement strategies for it Highly polluting industries and their effects on surrounding water resources Perfect for graduate and postgraduate students and researchers whose focus is on recent trends in abatement strategies for pollutants and the application of microorganisms for the management of environmental contaminants, Pollutants and Water Management: Resources, Strategies and Scarcity also has a place in the libraries of environmentalists whose work involves the management and conservation of polluted sites.

Increased awareness surrounding environmental protection has prompted the development of more ecofriendly technologies. This book provides useful information on technologies based upon the use of biological agents for environmental clean-up, including bacteria, yeast, fungi, algae, and plants. Some chapters refer to the direct application of products derived from plants and microorganisms for designing strategies of environmental remediation. The combination of strategies helps in efficient removal of pollutants generated from anthropogenic activities with minimal environmental impact. This book is meant for professionals involved in environmental technology and waste management.

The diverse metabolic capabilities of microorganisms and their interactions with hazardous organic and inorganic compounds have long been recognized. Microbial processes are environmentally compatible and can be integrated with non-biological processes to detoxify, degrade and immobilize environmental contaminants. Bioremediation, the application of biological methods, has been used successfully for soil remediation. For this volume, a number of experts from universities, government laboratories and industry, share their specialist knowledge in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. Chapters dealing with microbiological, biochemical and molecular aspects of biodegradation and bioremediation cover numerous topics, including: bioavailability, biodegradation of various pollutants, microbial community dynamics, properties and engineering of important biocatalysts, and methods for monitoring bioremediation processes.

Bioremediation, or enhanced microbiological treatment, of environments contaminated with a variety of organic and inorganic compounds is one of the most effective innovative technologies to come around this century! Practical Environmental Bioremediation: The Field Guide presents updated material, case histories and many instructive illustrations to reflect the evolving image of this fast-emerging industry. Bioremediation technology has witnessed great strides towards simplifying treatability formats, finding new approaches to field application, more potent nutrient formulations, monitoring protocols and the resulting general improvement in results. This new guide condenses all current available knowledge and presents necessary technical aspects and concepts in language that can be readily comprehended by the technical student, experienced scientist or engineer, the aspiring newcomer, or anyone else interested in this exciting natural cleanup technique.

Bioremediation which is the use of living organisms such as plants (Phytoremediation) and microbes such as bacteria, algae and fungi (Microbial bioremediation) or their systems to treat the contaminants, is an efficient, eco-friendly and economical novel alternative to conventional treatment technologies. This book would serve to inculcate in the readers, the present status, feasibility, and the significance of microbial bioremediation. The various aspects of bioremediation like biodegradation of contaminants and pollutants, and bioconversion, including the genetics of microbial degradation have been comprehensively discussed, with precise diagrammatic representations which will make the reader appreciate the concepts without impediments.