Environmental Biotechnology: Theory, Concepts and Applications

By Jonas Cremer
306
2026

Description

The purpose of this book is to present the reasonable manifestation of the realistic biological approaches currently employed in environmental biotechnology to address environmental problems. It covers the latest research by prominent scientists and researchers in this fast growing field. This most recent and updated book deals with various aspects of recent advances, current trends and practical applications on the understanding of microbial interactions, exploration of microbes in extreme environments, applications of nano materials for water remediation, impact of toxicants on microbial communities and soil bioprocesses, production of biofuel from microalgae, algal industrial waste treatment, reduction of tannery waste water pollution, phytoremediation of organic chemo pollutants, bioconversion of palm oil and sugar industry wastes, environmental influence on postharvest deterioration of fruits, soil remediation, ecological restoration, heavy metal pollution, radioactive waste materials, dehalogenation, and biore mediation of xenobiotics using fungi. The book covers both the basic fundamentals and biochemical processes involved, as well as the technologies themselves within different areas of application. As part of the framework, it also provides a thorough description of the character of pollution and pollution control, and there are chapters on more modern approaches to the subject, such as integrated environmental biotechnology and genetic tools - all in all a complete introduction to the study of environmental biotechnology. There is no doubt that this book will be one of inspiration for all professionals in the field. It is a very good framework for understanding the complex nature of processes and technology, and as such it will be useful for researchers, practitioners and other parties who need a working knowledge of this fascinating subject. Intended as a text for the students of M.Sc. (Environmental Science), B.Tech and M.Tech (Environmental Engineering), B.Tech. (Biotechnology) and B.Sc. (Biotechnology), this thoroughly revised Third Edition incorporates the latest advances and trends in Environmental Biotechnology. The text focuses on the utilization of modern biological and biochemical tools, such as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), cell biological methods, biosensors, bioplastics and bio-fuels. It explains how to conserve the rapidly dwindling bio-resources and judiciously exploit the bio-sphere and also projects the future possibilities of this technology in the 21st century. This book can also serve as a useful guide to research scholars and practising professionals. This book is also targeted for graduate-level courses in curricula that exploit microbiological processes for environmental quality control. The book is appropriate as a text for upper-level undergraduate courses and as a comprehensive resource for those engaged in professional practice and research involving environmental biotechnology.

About Author

Jonas Cremer is an Assistant Professor in Biology. He is interested in the physiology and growth of prokaryotes. Jonas studied physics and biophysics in Munich. He was a postdoctoral research at the University of California, San Diego. Before joining Stanford, he was an Assistant Professor at the University of Groningen. His current research considers various scales of prokaryotic life (from the coordination of fundamental processes within cells to the collective behavior of cells in specific ecological settings), with a focus on gut bacteria and the model organism Escherichia coli. Jonas Cremer is the recipient of the Clarke Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Water Science and Technology, the Stockholm Water Prize, and the Tyler Environmental Prize. He is a Distinguished Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering and of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Table of Content

Preface
Chapter 1. Fundamentals of Environmental Technology

Introduction to Environmental Technology
Historical Development in Environmental Engineering
Environmental Pollution
The Role of Technology in Sustainable Development
and Environmental Conservation
Environmental Impact Assessment
Chapter 2. Air Pollution Control Technologies
Sources and Classification of Air Pollutants
Cyclonic Separation
Baghouses: Types and Discharge Methods
Electrostatic Precipitator
Chapter 3. Water and Wastewater Treatment Technologies
Types of Water Quality Parameters
Primary Treatment of Wastewater
Secondary Treatments
Tertiary Treatment
Chapter 4. Solid Waste Management Technologies
Waste – Types and Classification 
Landfill Leachate Management
Compost and Vermicompost 
Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT)
Chapter 5. Renewable Energy Technologies
Photovoltaic System
Thermal Energy Storage for Solar Energy Utilization
Wind Energy Systems
Hydroelectric Power Generation
Chapter 6. Climate Change and Carbon Management
Causes and Effects of Global Warming
Greenhouse Gas Emission Sources
Carbon Footprint
Carbon Capture and Storage
Chapter 7. Environmental Monitoring and Sensors
Environmental Monitoring Ethics
Air Quality Sensor
Soil Moisture: Measuring & Monitoring
Uses of Remote Sensing Satellite Imagery
Chapter 8. Industrial Pollution Control Technologies
Best Available Technology
Handling and Storage of Hazardous Materials
Cleaner Production Technologies
Industrial Wastewater Treatment
Chapter 9. Environmental Biotechnology Applications
Phytoremediation
Microbial Fuel Cell
Genetic Engineering for Bioremediation
Chapter 10. Green Building and Sustainable Architecture
Rainwater Harvesting
Energy-Efficient HVAC Systems Technologies
The Principles of Green Building
Passive Solar Building Design
Bibliography
Index