Biodegradation and Persistence

Biodegradation and Persistence
Author: B. Beek
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2005-09-06
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3540680969

Biodegradation is a key phenomen among environmental processes. Low degradation rates lead to the persistence of chemicals in the environment and, as a consequence, to delayed or long-term effects, which may be even unknown by now. In this volume the editor has pulled together the newest results of research in biodegradation and persistence of potential environmentally harmful substances and the complex process involved. The main focus is on the microbial degradation, the evolution and predictability of the respective pathways and their impact on bioremediation. Additional chapters deal with sewage treatment plants, the impact of toxicants on impaired biodegradation, and with the need of a more realistic view on fate and behaviour of chemicals in the environment.

Marine Anthropogenic Litter

Marine Anthropogenic Litter
Author: Melanie Bergmann
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 456
Release: 2015-06-01
Genre: Science
ISBN: 3319165100

This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Advances in Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Industrial Waste

Advances in Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Industrial Waste
Author: Ram Chandra
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 442
Release: 2015-03-24
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1498700551

Addresses a Global Challenge to Sustainable DevelopmentAdvances in Biodegradation and Bioremediation of Industrial Waste examines and compiles the latest information on the industrial waste biodegradation process and provides a comprehensive review. Dedicated to reducing pollutants generated by agriculturally contaminated soil, and plastic waste fr

Biodegradation of Pesticides

Biodegradation of Pesticides
Author: Fumio Matsumura
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 316
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1468440888

When first developed, chlorinated pesticides such as DDT, dieldrin, and mirex were received with open arms, quickly becoming popular as effective, economic agents against pests. But evidence began to mount that residues of these chemicals remained in the environment, not breaking down, often appearing in plants and animals. By the late seventies many pesticides had achieved a terrible notoriety and were subsequently banned in a number of countries. Of tremendous concern, then, is the persistence of pesticides in the environment. The major thrust of research and development in the area of pesticides has properly been the creation of substances that are both effective and degradable. Yet in order to successfully promote the use of biodegradable pesticides, one must fully understand the mechanism of degradation, and it is to this vital subject that we address ourselves in the present volume. According to the Biodegradation Task Force, Safety of Chemicals Com mittee, Brussels (1978), biodegradation may be defined as the molecular degradation of an organic substance resulting from the complex action of living organisms. A substance is said to be biodegraded to an environmentally acceptable extent when environmentally undesirable properties are lost. Loss of some characteristic function or property of substance by biodegradation may be referred to as biological transformation.

Biodegradation and Bioremediation

Biodegradation and Bioremediation
Author: Ajay Singh
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 332
Release: 2013-03-09
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 3662060663

In this volume, experts from universities, government labs and industry share their findings on the microbiological, biochemical and molecular aspects of biodegradation and bioremediation. The text covers numerous topics, including: bioavailability, biodegradation of various pollutants, microbial community dynamics, properties and engineering of important biocatalysts, and methods for monitoring bioremediation processes. Microbial processes are environmentally compatible and can be integrated with non-biological processes to detoxify, degrade and immobilize environmental contaminants.

Biodegradation

Biodegradation
Author: Rolando Chamy
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 382
Release: 2013-06-14
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 953511154X

This book contains a collection of different biodegradation research activities where biological processes take place. The book has two main sections: A) Polymers and Surfactants Biodegradation and B) Biodegradation: Microbial Behaviour.

Plastics Additives

Plastics Additives
Author: G. Pritchard
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 650
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 9401158622

Although plastics are extremely successful commercially, they would never reach acceptable performance standards either in properties or processing without the incorporation of additives. With the inclusion of additives, plastics can be used in a variety of areas competing directly with other materials, but there are still many challenges to overcome. Some additives are severely restricted by legislation, others interfere with each other-in short their effectiveness varies with circumstances. Plastics Additives explains these issues in an alphabetical format making them easily accessible to readers, enabling them to find specific information on a specific topic. Each additive is the subject of one or more articles, providing a suffinct account of each given topic. An international group of experts in additive and polymer science, from many world class companies and institutes, explain the recent rapid changes in additive technology. They cover novel additives (scorch inhibitors, compatibilizers, surface-modified particulates etc.), the established varieties (antioxidants, biocides, antistatic agents, nucleating agents, fillers, fibres, impact modifiers, plasticizers) and many others, the articles also consider environmental concerns, interactions between additives and legislative change. With a quick reference guide and introductory articles that provide the non-specialist and newcomer with relevant information, this reference book is essential reading for anyone concerned with plastics and additives.

Environmental Degradation and Transformation of Organic Chemicals

Environmental Degradation and Transformation of Organic Chemicals
Author: Alasdair H. Neilson
Publisher: CRC Press
Total Pages: 738
Release: 2007-08-09
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1420006770

Addressing the persistent environmental threat of organic chemicals with a fresh approach to degradation and transformation processes, Environmental Degradation and Transformation of Organic Chemicals examines a wide range of compounds as well as abiotic and microbiological reactions mediated by microorganisms. The book emphasizes the pathways used