Advances in Biological Treatment of Industrial Waste Water and their Recycling for a Sustainable Future


Book Description

With rampant industrialization, the management of waste generated by various industries is becoming a mammoth problem. Wastewater discharges from industrial and commercial sources may contain pollutants at levels that could affect the quality of receiving waters or interfere with potable water supplies. Thousands of small and large-scale industrial units dump their waste, which is often toxic and hazardous, in open spaces and nearby water sources. Over the last three decades, many cases of serious and permanent damage to the environment and human health on the part of these industries have come to the fore. This book mainly focuses on the biological treatment of wastewater from various industries, and provides detailed information on the sources and characteristics of this wastewater, followed by descriptions of the biological methods used to treat them. Individual chapters address the treatment of wastewater from pulp and paper mills; tanneries; distilleries, sugar mills; the dairy industry; wine industry; textile industry; pharmaceutical industry; food processing industry; oil refinery/petroleum industry; fertilizer industry and beverage/ soft drink bottling industry; and include the characteristics of wastewater, evaluation of biological treatment methods, and recycling of wastewater. Easy to follow, with simple explanations and a good framework for understanding the complex nature of biological wastewater treatment processes, the book will be instrumental to quickly understanding various aspects of the biological treatment of industrial wastewater. It will serve as a valuable reference book for scientists, researchers, educators, and engineers alike.




Algal Biorefinery: An Integrated Approach


Book Description

This book critically discusses different aspects of algal production systems and several of the drawbacks related to microalgal biomass production, namely, low biomass yield, and energy-consuming harvesting, dewatering, drying and extraction processes. These provide a background to the state-of-the-art technologies for algal cultivation, CO2 sequestration, and large-scale application of these systems. In order to tap the commercial potential of algae, a biorefinery concept has been proposed that could help to extract maximum benefits from algal biomass. This refinery concept promotes the harvesting of multiple products from the feedstock so as to make the process economically attractive. For the last few decades, algal biomass has been explored for use in various products such as fuel, agricultural crops, pigments and pharmaceuticals, as well as in bioremediation. To meet the huge demand, there has been a focus on large-scale production of algal biomass in closed or open photobioreactors. Different nutritional conditions for algal growth have been explored, such as photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, mixotrophic and oleaginous. This book is aimed at a wide audience, including undergraduates, postgraduates, academics, energy researchers, scientists in industry, energy specialists, policy makers and others who wish to understand algal biorefineries and also keep abreast of the latest developments.




Microorganisms for Green Revolution


Book Description

This book addresses basic and applied aspects of two nexus points of microorganisms in agro-ecosystems, namely their functional role as bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides. Readers will find detailed information on all of the aspects that are required to make a microbe “agriculturally beneficial.” A healthy, balanced soil ecosystem provides a habitat for crops to grow without the need for interventions such as agro-chemicals. No organism in an agro-ecosystem can flourish individually, which is why research on the interaction of microorganisms with higher forms of life has increasingly gained momentum in the last 10-15 years. In fact, most of plants’ life processes only become possible through interactions with microorganisms. Using these “little helpers” as a biological alternative to agro-chemicals is a highly contemporary field of research. The information presented here is based on the authors’ extensive experience in the subject area, gathered in the course of their careers in the field of agricultural microbiology. The book offers a valuable resource for all readers who are actively involved in research on agriculturally beneficial microorganisms. In addition, it will help prepare readers for the future challenges that climate change will pose for agriculture and will help to bridge the current gaps between different scientific communities.




Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria for Agricultural Sustainability


Book Description

To meet the food security needs of the 21st century, this book focuses on ecofriendly and sustainable production technologies based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). It is estimated that the global population could increase to 9 billion by 2050. Further, the amount of land devoted to farming has decreased. Soil is a living entity, and is not only a valuable natural resource for agricultural and food security, but also for the preservation of all life processes. Agricultural productivity rests on the foundation of microbial diversity in the soil, and in recent years, PGPR have emerged as an important and promising tool for sustainable agriculture. The injudicious use of agrochemicals by farmers has created a range of negative impacts, not only threatening the environment, but also destroying useful microorganisms in the soil. The efficient use of PGPR reduces the need for these chemicals while simultaneously lowering production costs. In turn, increased yields could provide a more favourable environment and encourage sustainability. This book assesses the impacts of PGPR on crops, environmental and socio-economic sustainability, and demonstrates these ecofriendly technologies’ three critical advantages, namely (a) enhanced crop productivity, (b) reduced application of agrochemicals, and (c) increased incomes for farmers. Besides offering an economically attractive and ecologically sound means of augmenting the nutrient supply and combatting soil-borne pathogens, PGPR play an important part in boosting soil fertility, bioremediation and stress management for the development of ecofriendly and sustainable agriculture.




Environmental Biotechnology


Book Description

The application of biologically-engineered solutions toenvironmental problems has become far more readily acceptable andwidely understood. However there remains some uncertainty amongstpractitioners regarding how and where the microscopic, functionallevel fits into the macroscopic, practical applications. It isprecisely this gap which the book sets out to fill. Dividing the topic into logical strands covering pollution,waste and manufacturing, the book examines the potential forbiotechnological interventions and current industrial practice,with the underpinning microbial techniques and methods described,in context, against this background. Each chapter is supported by located case studies from a rangeof industries and countries to provide readers with an overview ofthe range of applications for biotechnology. Essential reading for undergraduates and Masters studentstaking modules in Biotechnology or Pollution Control as part ofEnvironmental Science, Environmental Management or EnvironmentalBiology programmes. It is also suitable for professionals involvedwith water, waste management and pollution control.




Underground Mining Methods


Book Description

Underground Mining Methods presents the latest principles and techniques in use today. Reflecting the international and diverse nature of the industry, a series of mining case studies is presented covering the commodity range from iron ore to diamonds extracted by operations located in all corners of the world. Industry experts have contributed 77 chapters. This book is certain to become a standard for every practicing mining engineer and student alike. Sections include: General Mine Design Considerations, Room-and-Pillar Mining of Hard Rock/Soft Rock, Longwall Mining of Hard Rock, Shrinkage Stoping, Sublevel Stoping, Cut-and-Fill Mining, Sublevel Caving, Panel Caving, Foundations for Design, and Underground Mining Looks to the Future.




Coalfields of New Mexico


Book Description




European Statistics on Accidents at Work (Esaw)


Book Description

Work began in 1990 to harmonise the criteria and methodologies used to record data on accidents at work in Europe. There have been three phases to the project. The first looked at the economic activity of the employer, age and sex of the victim and nature of the injury. The second supplemented this information with data on the size of the enterprise and the victims' nationality and employment status. The third phase looked at harmonising the classifications and variables of causes and circumstances of accidents at work. This publication represents the work on the methodology of the three phases and presence a full set of variables with their classifications, explanatory notes and coding guides. It is intended primarily for the institutions responsible for recording and processing information on accidents at work, e.g. statistical offices, insurance companies and mutual societies. More widely it will be of interest to experts working in the field and businesses in general.




Potash Technology


Book Description




The Mining Magazine


Book Description