Provided here is an up-to-date survey of gene transfers in the main natural habitats, with a special reference to genetically engineered microorganisms.In the first of five sections technical approaches of gene transfer in the natural environment are developed. These emphasize the use of modernmethodologies for the detection of recombinant bacteria in natural waters and soil, using DNA or rRNA probes and PCR technology. The three following sections deal with various aspects of gene transfer in aquatic environments, terrestrial habitats and human and animal gut. These include transfer of plasmidic or chromosomal markers through either conjugation, mobilization, transformation or transduction processes. Also covered are factors influencing survival of cells harbouring the transferred genes in these environments. The last section is devoted to an examination of scientific and ethical problems related to the release of genetically engineered microorganisms.

This book gives an overview of gene transfer and stability in those aquatic and terrestrial environments where bacteria and fungi can survive and interact genetically. It examines the role played by sex between microbes in the evolution of populations and their survival. Special emphasis is placed on methodology, including the analysis by novel techniques of genetic material extracted directly from soils, rivers and lakes. The natural spread of antibiotic resistance and the safe use of genetically manipulated microbes are matters of considerable scientific, medical and public concern upon which the investigations presented here have direct bearing. This unique collection will be of value to specialist researchers in applied microbiology, ecology and biotechnology as well as biomedical scientists interested in the environmental risks of genetic engineering.

This book is a valuable contribution to the debate about the harmful effects of environmental toxicants on human health, which is a growing concern in the 21st century. Complementary chapters decipher the phenomena and highlight the latest developments in environmental toxicology, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of environmental toxicology and human health. Since the toxicants in question are not only chemical or biological in nature, but also include man-made electromagnetic fields, the book explores in detail multidisciplinary approaches to environmental toxicology, with a focus on the following five aspects: 1. The effects of man-made electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) on human health proposed mechanisms and biological effects and measures). 2. An overview of nanotoxicity, nanomedicine and cancer research. 3. A bio-computational approach to the molecular interaction of environmental carcinogens with DNA. 4. The toxicology of environmental pollutants in the air, dust, soil, water and natural toxins in the environment: exposure and health. 5. Social insects as environmental indicators of ecotoxicological effects in different ecosystems. The book analyzes the carcinogenic, mutagenic, genotoxic and neurotoxic effects of both anthropogenic and natural toxins present in water, soil, air and our surroundings in the form of electro-pollution or electro-smog.

This book comprehensively discusses our current understanding of the role and biological mechanisms of horizontal transfer of genetic elements in the environment, which has been important in the evolution of prokaryotes (archaea and bacteria). Horizontal transfer of genetic elements generates variations of prokaryotes and their genomes. Comparative studies of genomes revealed that it frequently occurred during archaeal and bacterial evolution. The book introduces a variety of studies related to horizontal gene transfer, gene silencing, plasmids, phages, transposons, and the emergence of microbes that degrade man-made xenobiotics and have antimicrobial resistance. Written by leading researchers in DNA traffic, the book is a valuable guide to horizontal transfer for both young scientists and experts in the field.

The single most comprehensive resource for environmental microbiology Environmental microbiology, the study of the roles that microbes play in all planetary environments, is one of the most important areas of scientific research. The Manual of Environmental Microbiology, Fourth Edition, provides comprehensive coverage of this critical and growing field. Thoroughly updated and revised, the Manual is the definitive reference for information on microbes in air, water, and soil and their impact on human health and welfare. Written in accessible, clear prose, the manual covers four broad areas: general methodologies, environmental public health microbiology, microbial ecology, and biodegradation and biotransformation. This wealth of information is divided into 18 sections each containing chapters written by acknowledged topical experts from the international community. Specifically, this new edition of the Manual Contains completely new sections covering microbial risk assessment, quality control, and microbial source tracking Incorporates a summary of the latest methodologies used to study microorganisms in various environments Synthesizes the latest information on the assessment of microbial presence and microbial activity in natural and artificial environments The Manual of Environmental Microbiology is an essential reference for environmental microbiologists, microbial ecologists, and environmental engineers, as well as those interested in human diseases, water and wastewater treatment, and biotechnology.

Contents: Introduction, Microbes and Environment, Water Pollution, Biotechnological Detection of Pollution, Prevention and Control of Water Pollution, Waste Water Treatment, Sewage Treatment, Biotreatment of Wastes, Air Pollution, Marine Pollution, Controlling Marine Pollution, Pollution Abatement, Industrial Pollution, Treatment of Industrial Effluents, Advanced Waste Treatment Methods, Biotechnology of Biodegradation, Biohydrometallurgy, Bio-products for Environmental Health, Environmental Management.

This contributed volume presents chapters integrating experimental and computational advances in materials research and discusses how the potential release of emerging materials would impact the environment. With increasing populations, there is a growing pressure on resources and the environment to provide food, water, and energy. Innovative materials and novel technologies, such as nanocomposite and multifunctional materials, additive manufacturing, and remediation technologies, are constantly being developed to meet these demands. As technologies mature some potentially harmful materials will find their way into the environment. Depending on their environmental persistence, such as “forever chemicals” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), some of the emerging materials may become a major environmental challenge. This book covers a broad spectrum of topics related to the recent advances and future directions in emerging materials research, molecular simulations, machine learning and QSAR approaches for environmental contaminants, advanced materials for water purification, remediation technologies of PFAS, and life-cycle assessment of materials. It offers an invaluable resource for postgraduate students and researchers in academia, industry, and different laboratories interested in the field.

This book provides a multidisciplinary coverage of all manifestations of antimicrobials and antimicrobial resistance technology to promote eco-friendly processes and techniques for environmental sustainability. It covers various aspects of the multidisciplinary framework, applying principles of microbiology, environmental toxicology, and chemistry to assess the human and ecological risks associated with exposure to antibiotics or antibiotic resistance genes that are environmental contaminants. In addition, it also provides a variety of photographs, diagrams, and tables to help illustrate the material. Bringing together contributions from researchers on different continents with expertise in antibiotic resistance in a range of diverse environmental sections, the book offers a detailed reflection on the paths that make antibiotic resistance a global threat, and the state-of-the-art in antibiotic resistance surveillance and risk assessment in complex environmental conditions. Students, researchers, scientists, environmentalists, academics, computational biologists, stakeholders, and policymakers can benefit from using Antimicrobials in Environment as a resource that addresses microbial biotechnology, microbiology, toxicology, and all disciplines related to antimicrobial research. Features of the book: Covers antimicrobial resistance in the environment with up-to-date research. Includes recent references on each plausible antimicrobial resistance in the environment. Details the possible spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from an ecosystem. Describes the public health impact of the use of antibiotics in the environment. Presents cutting-edge research on nanotechnology, especially in food packaging, and emergent antimicrobial technologies. Highlights the antibiotic resistance in the environment: challenges and outlook.