Several long-term trends in technology evolution have become apparent since these symposia began in 1989. Earlier presenters more frequently discussed treatment methods involving harsh and extensive human intervention. As the symposia have continued, the number of presentations describing extremely harsh and expensive treatment technologies have gradually been supplanted by more subtle and gentler methods. Such methods include subsurface-engineered barriers, phytoremediation, and bioremediation. Nineteen manuscripts were selected for inclusion in this volume, based upon peer review, scientific merit, the editors' perceptions of lasting value or innovative features, and the general applicability of either the technology itself or the scientific methods and scholarly details provided by the authors. General topics include: soil treatment, groundwater treatment, and radioactive waste treatment.
Rapid industrialization is a serious concern in the context of a healthy environment. With the growth in the number of industries, the waste generated is also growing exponentially. The various chemical processes operating in the manufacturing industry generate a large number of by-products, which are largely harmful and toxic pollutants and are generally discharged into the natural water bodies. Once the pollutants enter the environment, they are taken up by different life forms, and because of bio-magnification, they affect the entire food chain and have severe adverse effects on all life forms, including on human health. Although, various physico-chemical and biological approaches are available for the removal of toxic pollutants, unfortunately these are often ineffective and traditional clean up practices are inefficient. Biological approaches utilizing microorganisms (bacterial/fungi/algae), green plants or their enzymes to degrade or detoxify environmental pollutants such as endocrine disruptors, toxic metals, pesticides, dyes, petroleum hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, offer eco- friendly approaches. Such eco-friendly approaches are often more effective than traditional practices, and are safe for both industry workers as well as environment. This book provides a comprehensive overview of various toxic environmental pollutants from a variety natural and anthropogenic sources, their toxicological effects on the environment, humans, animals and plants as well as their biodegradation and bioremediation using emerging and eco-friendly approaches (e.g. Anammox technology, advanced oxidation processes, membrane bioreactors, membrane processes, GMOs), microbial degradation (e.g. bacteria, fungi, algae), phytoremediation, biotechnology and nanobiotechnology. Offering fundamental and advanced information on environmental problems, challenges and bioremediation approaches used for the remediation of contaminated sites, it is a valuable resource for students, scientists and researchers engaged in microbiology, biotechnology and environmental sciences.
Historically, the development of civilization has upset much of the earth’s ecosystem leading to air, land, and water pollution. The author defines pollution as the introduction of a foreign substance into an ecosystem via air, land or water. This book delves into issues that effect the everyday lives of people who come in contact with these hazards. By examining these issues, this body of work aims to stimulate debate and offer solutions to the ever-growing threat to the environment and humanity. Includes problems with each chapter, Explores issues such as control of gaseous emissions, waste recycling and waste disposal, Explains physical and thermal methods of waste management, Provides definitions and resources for future reference, Discusses the history of environmental technology.
Chemical Degradation Methods for Wastes and Pollutants focuses on established and emerging chemical procedures for the management of pollutants in industrial wastewater and the environment. This reference offers an in-depth explanation of the degradation process, mechanisms, and control factors affecting each method, as well as issues crucial to th
Introduction to Waste Management An introductory textbook offering comprehensive coverage of the management of municipal, hazardous, medical, electronic, and nuclear waste Written by an experienced instructor in the field of solid waste management, this modern text systematically covers the five key types of solid wastes: municipal, hazardous/industrial, medical/biological, electronic, and nuclear, discussing their sources, handling, and disposal along with the relevant laws that govern their management. With its emphasis on industry standards and environmental regulations, it bridges the gap between theoretical models and real-life challenges in waste disposal and minimization. Instructors and students in environmental science, geology, and geography may use Introduction to Waste Management: A Textbook to better understand the five main types of solid waste and their management both from a local and a global perspective.
Electronic Waste Management and Treatment Technology applies the latest research for designing waste treatment and disposal strategies. Written for researchers who are exploring this emerging topic, the book begins with a short, but rigorous, discussion of electric waste management that outlines common hazardous materials. such as mercury, lead, silver and flame-retardants. The book also discusses the fate of metals contained in waste electrical and electronic equipment in municipal waste treatment. Materials and methods for the remediation, recycling and treatment of plastic waste collected from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are also covered. Finally, the book covers the depollution benchmarks for capacitors, batteries and printed circuit boards from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the recovery of waste printed circuit boards through pyrometallurgy. - Describes depollution benchmarks for capacitors, batteries and printed wiring boards from waste electronics - Covers metals contained in waste electrical and electronic equipment in municipal waste - Provides tactics for the recycling of mixed plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment
Hazardous waste in the environment is one of the most difficult challenges facing our society. The purpose of this book is to provide a background of the many aspects of hazardous waste, from its sources to its consequences, focusing on the risks posed to human health and the environment. It explains the legislation and regulations surrounding hazardous waste; however, the scope of the book is much broader, discussing agents that are released into the environment that might not be classified as hazardous waste under the regulatory system, but nonetheless pose substantial hazards to human health and the environment. It provides a background of some of the major generators of hazardous wastes, explains the pathways by which humans and wildlife are exposed, and includes discussion of the adverse health effects linked to these pollutants. It provides numerous case studies of hazardous waste mismanagement that have led to disastrous consequences, and highlights the deficiencies in science and regulation that have allowed the public to be subjected to myriad potentially hazardous agents. Finally, it provides a discussion of measures that will need to be taken to control society's hazardous waste problem. This book was designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, including students, professionals, and general readers interested in the topic. - Provides information about sources of and health risks posed by hazardous waste - Explains the legislation and regulations surrounding hazardous waste - Includes numerous case studies of mismanagement, highlights deficiencies in science and regulation and discusses measures to tackle society's hazardous waste problems
