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.

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 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

The application of biologically-engineered solutions toenvironmental problems has become far more readily acceptable andwidely understood. However there remains some uncertainty amongstpractitioners regarding how and where the microscopic, functionallevel fits into the macroscopic, practical applications. It isprecisely this gap which the book sets out to fill. Dividing the topic into logical strands covering pollution,waste and manufacturing, the book examines the potential forbiotechnological interventions and current industrial practice,with the underpinning microbial techniques and methods described,in context, against this background. Each chapter is supported by located case studies from a rangeof industries and countries to provide readers with an overview ofthe range of applications for biotechnology. Essential reading for undergraduates and Masters studentstaking modules in Biotechnology or Pollution Control as part ofEnvironmental Science, Environmental Management or EnvironmentalBiology programmes. It is also suitable for professionals involvedwith water, waste management and pollution control.

This textbook on Environmental Biotechnology not only presents an unbiased overview of the practical biological approaches currently employed to address environmental problems, but also equips readers with a working knowledge of the science that underpins them. Starting with the fundamentals of biotechnology, it subsequently provides detailed discussions of global environmental problems including microbes and their interaction with the environment, xenobiotics and their remediation, solid waste management, waste water treatment, bioreactors, biosensors, biomining and biopesticides. This book also covers renewable and non-renewable bioenergy resources, biodiversity and its conservation, and approaches to monitoring biotechnological industries, genetically modified microorganism and foods so as to increase awareness. All chapters are written in a highly accessible style, and each also includes a short bibliography for further research. In summary this textbook offers a valuable asset, allowing students, young researchers and professionals in the biotechnology industry to grasp the basics of environmental biotechnology.

About the Book: This book is meant for undergraduate students of Biotechnology, Chemical and Civil Engineering courses and also for postgraduate students of Environmental Studies. It encompasses topics related to pollution abatement and treatment of wastewater and solid waste management emphasizing on biological treatment methods. Design aspects of the biological treatment units are the distinctive features of this book. Principles of bioremediation are briefly covered. Contents: Water and Wastewater Treatment of Wastewater Wastewater Biology Secondary Treatment (Biological Treat.

Environmental Biotechnology was conceived after scanning the available literature in the area, which indicated that references in the subject are scanty and highly sporadic. This book provides comprehensive information on the different aspects of environmental biotechnology and also discusses the processes and new technologies dealing with pollutants, degradation and resource recovery. It has been designed to serve as a good study material for the students and researchers in the field. At the end of the book there is an exhaustive reference section to guide the readers for additional reading. The book discusses: · New approaches to wastewater treatment · Use of endemic or exotic biota as a nutrient filter to purify nutrient-loaded wastewater and nutrient-enriched eutrophic surface water · Production of usable primary and secondary biomass using waste, wastewater and wasteland · Efficient biomass management techniques · Several emerging areas like microalgal cultivation techniques using wastewater · Production of value added products from algae · Statistical approach to analyze the toxic effects of xenobiotics using biological test batteries and biopesticides · Integrated pest management · Advanced techniques to study environmental contamination · Biological experimental procedures to determine the level of contamination