This second edition is fully updated with new material to create a comprehensive and accessible reference book: New chapters on sulfur removal via bioelectrochemical systems, use of sulfate radicals in advanced oxidation processes and sulfur nanoparticle biosynthesis. New sections on: sulfur cycle chemistry and microbiology; sulfate removal vs. recovery of resources from sulfate-rich wastewaters; microaeration for biogas desulfurisation; biological treatment of gypsum and sulfur-rich solid waste; up-to-date process control for treatment of sulfur-rich waste streams. New case studies with emphasis on practices for sewer and steel corrosion control, odour mitigation, autotrophic denitrification and bioremediation of acid mine polluted sites in both developed and developing countries have been included. Novel concepts of environmental technologies to treat sulfur pollution of wastewater, off-gases, solid waste, soils and sediments are presented. Up-to-date research findings and innovative technologies for recovering resources, i.e. metals, fertiliser, biofuels and irrigation water, from sulfur polluted waste are provided. This book may serve both as an advanced textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in environmental sciences, technology or engineering as well as a handbook for tertiary educators, researchers, professionals and policymakers who conduct research and practices in the sulfur related fields. It is essential reading for consulting companies when dealing with sulfur related environmental (bio)technologies.

The book will cover a wide range of subjects related to rare earth elements, including the sources, detection and applications of rare earths, environmental and ecological issues related to rare earths, recovery of rare earths using physical, chemical and biological methods, recovery of rare earths from waste resources, conversion of rare earths to nano-particles and their applications. It is intended or all levels of teaching and research from senior undergraduate to higher levels and to those who are working on metal/metalloids more particularly focused on rare earth elements from a science, engineering, health and environmental perspective.

The growth and development witnessed today in modern science, engineering, and technology owes a heavy debt to the rare, refractory, and reactive metals group, of which niobium is a member. Extractive Metallurgy of Niobium presents a vivid account of the metal through its comprehensive discussions of properties and applications, resources and resource processing, chemical processing and compound preparation, metal extraction, and refining and consolidation. Typical flow sheets adopted in some leading niobium-producing countries for the beneficiation of various niobium sources are presented, and various chemical processes for producing pure forms of niobium intermediates such as chloride, fluoride, and oxide are discussed. The book also explains how to liberate the metal from its intermediates and describes the physico-chemical principles involved. It is an excellent reference for chemical metallurgists, hydrometallurgists, extraction and process metallurgists, and minerals processors. It is also valuable to a wide variety of scientists, engineers, technologists, and students interested in the topic.

Environmental engineers support the well-being of people and the planet in areas where the two intersect. Over the decades the field has improved countless lives through innovative systems for delivering water, treating waste, and preventing and remediating pollution in air, water, and soil. These achievements are a testament to the multidisciplinary, pragmatic, systems-oriented approach that characterizes environmental engineering. Environmental Engineering for the 21st Century: Addressing Grand Challenges outlines the crucial role for environmental engineers in this period of dramatic growth and change. The report identifies five pressing challenges of the 21st century that environmental engineers are uniquely poised to help advance: sustainably supply food, water, and energy; curb climate change and adapt to its impacts; design a future without pollution and waste; create efficient, healthy, resilient cities; and foster informed decisions and actions.

This report examines the role of rare earth metals and other materials in the clean energy economy. It was prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) based on data collected and research performed during 2010. In the report, DoE describes plans to: (1) develop its first integrated research agenda addressing critical materials, building on three technical workshops convened by the DoE during November and December 2010; (2) strengthen its capacity for information-gathering on this topic; and (3) work closely with international partners, including Japan and Europe, to reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions and address critical material needs. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.

Hydrometallurgy of Rare Earths: Extraction and Separation provides the basic knowledge for rare earth extraction and separation, including flow sheet selection criteria and related technology. The book includes the latest research findings on all rare earth separation processes, methods of controlling operation costs, and strategies that help lower wastewater and waste solid discharge. It discusses many real process parameters and actual situations in rare earth separation plants, also examining the basic principles, technologies, process parameters and advances and achievements in the area of rare earth extraction and separation. In addition, the book covers extraction separation theory as developed by Professor Guanxian Xu and Professor Chunhua Yan and the creative use of a computational simulation program to replace the bench scale and pilot plant tests and directly design rare earth extraction separation processes. Outlines the theory of solvent extraction and separation of rare earths (REs) Provides the necessary tools for a REs separation plant design Includes a unique simulation program for the calculation of all process parameters Includes Chinese nomenclature that is useful for identifying the various processes, also comparing it to the global literature