This volume consists of 15 chapters and focuses on hazardous chemicals, how they are associated with plastics, and their environmental risks. It includes background information on plastics and additives chemistry, and their observed or potential effects on living organisms as well as the oceanographic aspects of marine debris dispersion. The respective chapters provide insights into the sorption/desorption of chemicals in and out of plastics, the mechanisms and kinetics, but also the scale of the concentrations of chemicals found in marine debris, particularly in microplastics. The occurrence of the various chemicals is analyzed, as well as the distribution profiles of the chemicals in microplastics throughout the world’s oceans. The implications of the fact that plastics carry within them several chemicals are discussed in detail. In closing, new research topics that warrant further attention are identified. The book will appeal to all scientists who are already working or interested in starting to work on the topic of marine debris, as well as policymakers, NGOs and the broader informed public.

This book covers the topic of microplastics in water and wastewater. The chapters start with introductory issues related to the growing interest in the scientific community on microplastics and the human water cycle and point out where the microplastics could interact with water. The subsequent chapters examine evidence of the microplastic presence in freshwater, such as in both rivers and lakes, in freshwater biota, and hazardous chemicals associated with microplastics in such systems. Another set of chapters discuss the presence of microplastics in wastewater: their sources; their transfer through a wastewater treatment plant; the concentration of microplastics in effluents throughout the world; the plastic biomedia used in wastewater treatment plants and the effect on the surrounding environment of effluent wastewater pipes. These chapters also discuss the sampling methods, the sample treatment and analysis techniques used so far for microplastics in wastewater. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and in soils irrigated with wastewater or fertilized with sludge are discussed. The possible impact of plastics and their additives on plants, microalgae, and humans are reviewed and presented in a critical way. Finally, a chapter summarizes all the relevant regulations and initiatives that point to the necessity of a global directive for the protection of the environment from plastic and microplastic pollution. The topic of microplastics in freshwater systems and in wastewater has scarcely been studied and requires more attention. Microplastics in Water and Wastewater aims to bring these initial findings to the attention of a broader audience and especially to operators and managers of freshwater and wastewater systems. It will also be helpful to people already aware of the marine debris problem to understand the sources of microplastics in the oceans, from freshwater systems and wastewater treatment plants.

This book focuses on cold habitat microbes as a potential source of elite enzymes and secondary metabolites to meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical, food and biotechnological industries. Microbes living in such extremely cold conditions are reported to produce various biomolecules with potential biotechnological applications. The book overviews recent research trends to discover such important biomolecules and also suggests future research directions to discover such elite novel biomolecules. Salient features: Covers studies on various biotic communities and abiotic components of the soil of terrestrial habitats with a focus on cold habitats Discusses various 'Omic' approaches: metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics Lists adaptation strategies adopted by cold-adapted microbes Highlights various biotechnological and industrially important biomolecules produced by cold-adapted microbes Explores the role of microbial biofilm in the degradation of microplastics in cold habitats

This unique volume covers many aspects of waste management in developing countries. There is a focus on various sources of waste including the pressing issues of agricultural, medicinal, industrial, and urban waste, and emerging problems with e-waste, nanowaste, and microplastics in marine environments. This volume addresses the critical environmental issues resulting from rapid urbanization and industrialization, particularly in the developing world. High-end technologies that can utilize waste as a resource to generate products, processes, and revenue are also discussed. Features Presents technical perspectives on emerging wastes in developing economies Discusses the issues of e-waste, which is growing three times faster than general municipal waste globally Covers the spectrum of nanowaste to upcycling in the market Discusses management of marine plastic debris and microplastics Diverse audience including those in solid waste management, electrical and electronic technology, and the medical industry

Plastic Waste Management Comprehensive resource on innovative and breakthrough developments in plastic waste management, covering a wide range of processing techniques and applications Plastic Waste Management offers a complete guide to the best plastic waste management practices through recycling, incineration, landfill, and other processes, discusses applications of plastic waste management including energy generation, biochemical production, construction, and food packaging, covering current challenges relating to plastic waste, explaining the sources of waste and their routes into the environment, and providing systematic coverage of plastic waste treatment methods, including mechanical processing, monomerization, blast furnace feedstock, gasification, and thermal recycling. The book also discusses different biodegradation mechanisms of plastic wastes and ecotoxicity and ecological Implications of marine plastic debris. From a cultural perspective, the book provides information regarding environmental and health implications, societal issues, and current challenges associated with plastic waste management. Written by leading experts in the field and edited by two highly qualified academics, Plastic Waste Management covers specific sample topics such as: A a roadmap towards a circular economy and environmental sustainability via effective management strategies for plastic wastes Implementation of an analytical hierarchy process for developing better waste collection systems, and chemical recycling of plastic waste for sustainable development Mechanisms, perspectives, and challenges for natural biodegradation of plastic wastes, and conversion of plastic wastes into value added materials Plastic wastes management and disposal in developing countries, and challenges and strategies for plastic waste management during and post COVID-19 pandemic Plastic Waste Management is a highly valuable resource for scientists and researchers working in the fields of environmental science, environmental engineering, and plastic engineering towards the goal of developing sustainable materials, along with graduate and postgraduate students in related programs of study, and professionals and engineers in related industries.

Micro(nano)plastics in the Aquatic Environment: Fate, Toxicology, and Management Volume 11 explores a wide breadth of chapters, reflecting the experiences of groups of researchers from different countries on essential aspects of the context of plastic pollution. The book provides insights in chapters relating to plastic pollution in the aquatic ecosystems, the behavior of MNPs in the aquatic environment and influencing factors, characteristics of MNPs in the water environment, ecology and MPs, metals and MPs, biofilms and MPs, MNPs pollution in the global mangrove ecosystem, ecotoxicity MPs in amphibian, fishes and snails, and MPs in mariculture.

This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This volume focuses on microscopic plastic debris, also referred to as microplastics, which have been detected in aquatic environments around the globe and have accordingly raised serious concerns. The book explores whether microplastics represent emerging contaminants in freshwater systems, an area that remains underrepresented to date. Given the complexity of the issue, the book covers the current state-of-research on microplastics in rivers and lakes, including analytical aspects, environmental concentrations and sources, modelling approaches, interactions with biota, and ecological implications. To provide a broader perspective, the book also discusses lessons learned from nanomaterials and the implications of plastic debris for regulation, politics, economy, and society. In a research field that is rapidly evolving, it offers a solid overview for environmental chemists, engineers, and toxicologists, as well as water managers and policy-makers.

This book, written by a multidisciplinary team of authors comprising scientists, artists and communicators, explores one of the most pressing issues of our time – the menace plastics pose to marine environments and organisms. It takes readers on a journey that begins on the beaches of Galicia, where the beach litter formed the starting point for an exhibition that combines art and science to alert the audience to the urgent need for action. The journey culminates with a short “plastic story”, which reveals a disturbing vision of the future significance of plastics for humans, and an example of how comics can deliver information to a younger audience. Along the way there is plenty of fascinating science, such as insights into the impacts of plastics and microplastics; the new marine ecosystem, known as the “plastisphere”; and the current status of the oceans, from the Arctic to the Mediterranean. The book also explores the historical developments; sustainable solutions, including the use of circular economy methodologies; and protective measures, like those being tried in China and the Far East. Lastly, it describes the role played by rivers as transport vectors for plastic, with special reference to the Danube, and to complete the picture, since most of the plastic is of terrestrial origin, it investigates problems related to microplastics in soils.

This book examines biofilms in nature. Organized into four parts, this book addresses biofilms in wastewater treatment, inhibition of biofilm formation, biofilms and infection, and ecology of biofilms. It is designed for clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals in the fields of microbiology, biotechnology, ecology, and medicine as well as graduate and postgraduate students.