Waste generation from industrial and domestic sectors is imposing a very challenging environment and the intervention of biotechnology offers a viable solution for their effective management. This book deals with the employment of biotechnological aspects for waste treatment including the basic concepts, biochemical processes, and various technologies for pollutant reduction and production of value-added products for a cleaner environment. It covers different aspects of biotechnology in the conservation of environment dealing with the sustainable management of waste through the concept of waste-to-economy along with the management of environmental pollutants and natural resource conservation. Focuses on ecological approaches i.e., the use of biocatalysts and biotechnological approaches for waste management Explores the different biotechnology-based solutions for the removal of environmental pollutants Covers various microbiological routes, technological options for waste to energy, removal of contaminants, and the production of value-added products Reviews the bioremediation potential of microbial strains and enzymes Explores the significant routes of biotechnological means of obtaining eco-friendly products substituting the hazardous chemical-based products This volume is aimed at researchers and professionals in environmental, biotechnology, and chemical engineering.

Waste materials in the solid form tend to be bulky and difficult to handle and transport. Its management could happen through physical, thermal, chemical or biological processing stages, with the exact sequence of and their operational optima being decided by the waste composition. In recent years, energy crisis and increased waste production have been undoubtedly major issues of concern. As we mentioned in the previous volume of this book, defining waste is crucial in terms of identifying the most adequate approach to recycle or recover resources from the waste. Various chemical, biochemical, and biological approaches are being investigated widely by researchers for waste valorization. Volume 2 of this book brings together the leading researchers working on solid waste management using biological and biochemical approaches.

This book presents reviews, examples and case studies of innovative applications in solid and hazardous waste management. The economics of waste management have since become a significant research area in their own right, and two chapters address these issues. In addition, dedicated chapters cover specific categories of waste such as biomedical and institutional waste, plastics and e-waste. The book subsequently discusses newer analytical methods like SEM, EDX, XRD and optical microscopy, along with selected “older” methods for sampling and characterizing different types of waste. The various applications of mathematical tools like linear optimization, various software/models like WISCLeach, and DRASTIC, and tools like remote sensing and GIS are illustrated in many of the chapters. Lastly, since composting is one of the most popular treatment methods for managing the organic component of municipal solid waste, the book provides an overview of composting and the fundamentals of microbiology that are essential to understanding waste-related biological processes. The book was primarily written for students and practitioners in the field who are already familiar with the basics. All chapters were prepared by practicing experts and scholars in the field, and are intended to help readers better understand and apply these principles and practices in their own endeavours. Key topics covered in the book: • The circular economy and the economics of solid waste management • Various remote sensing and GIS applications for managing municipal solid waste, coal fires in mines, changes in land use and land cover in industrial areas, etc. • Treatment and management of different types of solid waste: institutional (including biomedical), residential, e-waste, plastic, and ash from thermal power plants • Sampling and characterization of municipal waste and compost • Fundamentals of microbiology • Overview of environmental regulations, especially those pertaining to solid and hazardous waste management

Biotechnology for Waste Management and Site Restoration covers: waste management - solid, gaseous, liquid; site restoration - radioactivity, organics, toxic metals; educational, economic, social and business aspects; and international collaboration. International collaboration is growing apace and many concrete projects have been started. The body of knowledge is growing. Over the long term, it is envisaged that this international collaboration will result in a long-term scientific and technological strategy, new technologies and alternative solutions, and practical implementations of biotechnology for the nuclear and industrial sectors of the economy.

Biotechnology for Zero Waste The use of biotechnology to minimize waste and maximize resource valorization In Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques, accomplished environmental researchers Drs. Chaudhery Mustansar Hussain and Ravi Kumar Kadeppagari deliver a robust exploration of the role of biotechnology in reducing waste and creating a zero-waste environment. The editors provide resources covering perspectives in waste management like anaerobic co-digestion, integrated biosystems, immobilized enzymes, zero waste biorefineries, microbial fuel cell technology, membrane bioreactors, nano biomaterials, and more. Ideal for sustainability professionals, this book comprehensively sums up the state-of-the-art biotechnologies powering the latest advances in zero-waste strategies. The renowned contributors address topics like bioconversion and biotransformation and detail the concept of the circular economy. Biotechnology for Zero Waste effectively guides readers on the path to creating sustainable products from waste. The book also includes: A thorough introduction to modern perspectives on zero waste drives, including anaerobic co-digestion as a smart approach for enhancing biogas production Comprehensive explorations of bioremediation for zero waste, biological degradation systems, and bioleaching and biosorption of waste Practical discussions of bioreactors for zero waste and waste2energy with biotechnology An in-depth examination of emerging technologies, including nanobiotechnology for zero waste and the economics and commercialization of zero waste biotechnologies Perfect for process engineers, natural products, environmental, soil, and inorganic chemists, Biotechnology for Zero Waste: Emerging Waste Management Techniques will also earn a place in the libraries of food technologists, biotechnologists, agricultural scientists, and microbiologists.

Papers presented at the International Conference on Bioconvergence 2004, held at Patiala during 18-20 November 2004.

This book provides up-to-date information on the state of the art in applications of biotechnological and microbiological tools for protecting the environment. Written by leading international experts, it discusses potential applications of biotechnological and microbiological techniques in solid waste management, wastewater treatment, agriculture, energy and environmental health. This first volume of the book “Environmental Microbiology and Biotechnology,” covers three main topics: Solid waste management, Agriculture utilization and Water treatment technology, exploring the latest developments from around the globe regarding applications of biotechnology and microbiology for converting wastes into valuable products and at the same time reducing the environmental pollution resulting from disposal. Wherever possible it also includes real-world examples. Further, it offers advice on which procedures should be followed to achieve satisfactory results, and provides insights that will promote the transition to the sustainable utilization of various waste products.