الصفحة 1
الصفحة 1
Nanotechnology for Environmental Remediation
The newly discovered advanced oxidation technology using nanoscale zero-valent iron, which is reported in this book, could be widely used to treat pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals as well as to purify contaminated water for domestic use. In addition, it can contribute to advancing science and technology and providing valuable information to all readers - researchers, scientists, engineers, and students - in this field for their further research and studies.
Mycorrhizae : Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry
This book discusses and goes into detail on a number of topics: the molecular basis of nutrient exchange between arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and host plants; the role of AM fungi in disease protection, alleviation of soil stresses and increasing grain production; interactions of AM fungi and beneficial saprophytic mycoflora in terms of plant growth promotion; the role of AM fungi in the restoration of native ecosystems; indirect contributions of AM fungi and soil aggregation to plant growth and mycorrhizosphere effect of multitrophic interaction; the mechanisms by which mycorrhizas change a disturbed ecosystem into productive land; the importance of reinstallation of mycorrhizal systems in the rhizosphere is emphasized and their impact on landscape regeneration, and in bioremediation of contaminated soils; Ectomycorrhizae (ECM) and their importance in forest ecosystems and associations of ECM in tropical rain forests function to maintain tropical monodominance; in vitro mycorrhization of micro-propagated plants, and visualizing and quantifying endorhizal fungi; the use of mycorrhizae, mainly AM and ECM, for sustainable agriculture and forestry.
Molecular genetics, structures, mechanisms, and functions : Principles of gene manipulation and genomics ; Vol.1
Provides an overview of the future of genetic engineering and delves into the role of biotechnology and its applications in genetic engineering. It discusses the tools of recombinant technology, which have brought about revolution in our understanding of various complex biological phenomena. Chapters cover mutagenesis, construction, and sequencing of DNA libraries along with applications of genetic engineering for improving health, preventing genetic diseases, enhancing food resources, managing environmental bioremediation, and more. Topics include genetic engineering tools for restriction enzymes and vectors, gene and cell division, mutation detection and screening in plants, population genetics, sexuality in bacteria, and more. Several chapters focus on the tools of recombinant technology, such as restriction enzymes, vectors, etc., that have paved the way for creating organisms of choice and opened new horizons in the field of medicine, agriculture, and industry for human welfare.
Molecular Biology of Metal Homeostasis and Detoxification : From Microbes to Man
One of the challenges faced by every cell as well as by whole organisms is to maintain appropriate concentrations of essential nutrient metals while excluding nonessential toxic metals. Toward that end, all organisms have developed mechanisms for metal homeostasis and detoxification to maintain metal levels within physiological limits. This book brings together current knowledge of the molecular basis of metal homeostasis and detoxification in various eukaryotic model systems, including yeasts, plants, and mammals. It focuses on the cellular systems controlling metal transport, intracellular distribution, and immobilization as well as on systems regulating metal-dependent transcription. In addition to environmental aspects (including phytoremediation), the book treats the pathophysiology of metal deficiency and overload in relation to disease.
Microorganisms in the deterioration and preservation of cultural heritage
This book offers a comprehensive overview of the role and potential of microorganisms in the degradation and preservation of cultural materials (e.g. stone, metals, graphic documents, textiles, paintings, glass, etc.).
Microbiology of Extreme Soils
This volume provides an excellent introduction to the study of extreme soil micro-biology, and a variety of the challenging and fascinating environments that Earth-bound microbes face. Some are natural, and some are the result of human activity, and all of them have lessons to teach us about life’s adaptations within the “extreme” hori-zons of terrestrial soils. What’s more, each of these chapters (including the chapter on the soils of Mars by Ronald L. Crawford and David A. Newcombe) can give us insights into strategies that may make life possible beyond the safe confines of our present-day biosphere, to other worlds in this solar system and beyond
Microbial Phosphate Solubilization
Last decade has seen a significantly increased knowledge about phosphate solubilizing microorganisms. Sixty specialists from thirteen countries met in Salamanca to discuss the problems of the high P-unavailability as a soil nutrient for crops, and the hazards of an increasing phosphate input to aquatic habitats from industrial and mining activities, sewage disposal, detergents, and other sources. Updated solutions to enhance P-uptake by plants, bioremediation potential in the rehabilitation of ecosystems, taxonomic characterization interactions with mycorrizae, the physiological and molecular basis of PSM, and possibilities of genetic modifications of rhizospheric microorganisms were among the contributions presented. Challenges in commercializing a phosphate solubilizing microorganism were also outlined by a relevant biotech company.
Microbes in agri-forestry biotechnology
Explores recent advances on the use of microbes for agri-forestry biotechnological applications. It provides technical concepts and discussions on the use of microorganisms for processes such as bioprocessing, bioremediation, soil enhancement, aquaponics advances, and plant-host symbiosis. The book provides an overview of the microbial approach to the tools and processes used in agriculture and forestry that make or modify products, improve plants for specific uses, and make use of livestock in agricultural systems. The authors discuss the main process conditions that enhance agri-forestry applications with the use of microbes and introduce the use of genetically modified (GM) microbes in agrobiotechnology. Finally, the authors explore the main technological advances in the production of secondary metabolites with potential applications in agri-forestry.
Methods and Techniques for Cleaning-up Contaminated Sites
This publication is meant to foster links between groups facing challenges cleaning up contaminated sites through presentations that explore the problems currently being addressed and solutions that are emerging in the field.
Iron Nutrition in Plants and Rhizospheric Microorganisms
This book uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide a comprehensive review on the status of iron nutrition in plants. International scientists discuss research on acquisition of iron by strategy I and strategy II plants. These reviews summarize a variety of plant species and include both laboratory and field observations. Topics covered in this book include: plants as a source of iron for animals and humans, iron translocation in the plants, iron-stimulated activities that influence crop yield and fruit tree productivity, iron uptake by plants as influenced by microorganisms (i.e. free living soil microorganisms, symbiotic nitrogen-fixing and pathogenic bacteria), the role of plant hormones in iron transport, iron-metal competition in phytoremediation, root zone activities involving interactions between minerals and organic matter, the role of microbial siderophores in rhizospheric iron cycling, iron storage as phytoferritin, proteomic and metabolic studies associated with iron stress response, methods for studying iron metabolism including stable isotopes, and the correction of iron deficiency through the use of synthetic or natural chelates.
Ibuprofen : Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Uses and Adverse Effects
Presents topical research in the study of the clinical pharmacology, medical uses, and adverse effects of ibuprofen. Topics discussed include the occurrence, ecotoxicity and water remediation technologies of ibuprofen in the aquatic environment; associated adverse drug reaction in ibuprofen use; hybrid multifunctional ibuprofen drugs; a pharmaceutical nanotechnology approach to ibuprofen delivery; vibrational dynamics and chiral properties of racemate and pure enantiomers of ibuprofen complexed in cyclodextrins; therapeutic effects of ibuprofen on transgenic mice models of neurodegenerative diseases; and the use of ibuprofen for pain relief in gynecology.
Hydrogeophysics
This ground-breaking work is the first to cover the fundamentals of hydrogeophysics from both the hydrogeological and geophysical perspectives. A series of hydrogeophysical case studies illustrate hydrogeophysical approaches for mapping hydrological units, estimation of hydrogeological parameters, and monitoring of hydrogeological processes.
HDPE Geomembranes in Geotechnics
HDPE (High-density polyethylene) geomembranes are nowadays widely used for large-area liners and construction sealings in geotechnical engineering. Lining of water ponds, dams and dykes, landfill base liners and cover systems, remediation of contaminated sites, waterproof for tunnels, beneath highways and for various other civil engineering constructions are a few examples of application. The book covers all aspects of the HDPE geomembrane field: HDPE materials, geomembrane manufacture, textured geomembranes, properties, long-term performance and testing, installation and welding of geomembranes, quality assurance and control, leak detection, standards, recommendations and regulations. Various important topics are treated in detail. As part of it, the basic physical and chemical facts necessary to fully understand HDPE geomembrane properties and performance are carefully developed and explained.
Groundwater Management in Asian Cities : Technology and Policy for Sustainability
The number of city dwellers who do not have access to piped water and rely on groundwater is also increasing. In many Asian cities, groundwater is not only the source of domestic water but also an important resource for industrial development, making better management of groundwater resources essential for sustainable development. Because groundwater is easier to access and costs less than water from piped systems, groundwater abstraction cannot be easily regulated. Policies for groundwater management adopted in Japan and other Asian countries are compared, and technologies for efficient use of groundwater are elucidated. Groundwater contamination is also a serious problem that exacerbates water scarcity in Asian cities. Case studies illustrate the cause and consequences of naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic and fluoride, and groundwater contamination due to anthropogenic contaminants is described. Also discussed are technologies for treating contaminated groundwater to reduce the health risks of drinking contaminated groundwater.
Geoenvironmental Engineering : Integrated management of groundwater and contaminated land
Contains the proceedings of the 4th Geoenvironmental Engineering Conference, organised by the British Geotechnical Association and Cardiff University's School of Engineering, held in Stratford-Upon-Avon in June 2004. The theme of the conference was Integrated Management of Groundwater and Contaminated Land. This book is a compilation of peer-reviewed papers; grouped according to the sessions under which they were presented at the conference.
Gas Transport in Porous Media
This book presents a compilation of state-of-the art studies on gas and vapor transport processes in porous and fractured media. A broad set of models and processes is presented, including advection/diffusion, the Dusty Gas Model, enhanced vapor diffusion, phase change, coupled processes, solid/vapor sorption, and vapor-pressure lowering. Numerous applications are also presented that illustrate these processes and models in current problems facing the scientific community.
Fish and Diadromy in Europe (ecology, management, conservation)
This book contains selected papers from an international symposium organised by the Diadfish network held in Bordeaux (France) in 2005. Readers will find up-to-date information on the ecology, ecotoxicology and physiology of several diadromous species (Atlantic salmon, shads, lampreys, eels) and this whole group in Europe. Main impacts are also documented and analysed in case studies, and solutions or remediation actions are presented.
Equidosimetry : Ecological Standardization and Equidosimetry for Radioecology and Environmental Ecology
Considerable experience with radioecological and related ecological research on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has been achieved, especially after the Chernobyl accident. The combined effects of the radiation, chemical and biological factors, after a contamination of the environment and during its remediation have shown an interactive complexity that highlights the need for equidosimetrical evaluations of the influence of the various stressors and the need for their ecological normalization. In radioecology and radiation protection, methods of radiation dosimetry are key for dose assessment. It is therefore highly desirable to develop a clear theoretical approach as well as a practical method of equidosimetry that would allow for an ecological normalization of the different stressors in unified uniform units, especially for comparison purposes.
Environmental Risk Assessment : Quantitative Measures, Anthropogenic Influences, Human Impact
The world is a dirty place and getting dirtier all the time. The reasons for this ever-increasing lack of cleanliness are not hard to find, being basically caused by the actions of the six billion people who inhabit the planet. The needs of the people for air, water, food, housing, clothing, heating, materials, oil, gas, minerals, metals, chemicals, and so forth have, over the centuries, given rise to a variety of environmental problems that have been exacerbated or been newly created by the industrialization of the world, the increase in population, and the increase in longevity of the population. The costs of cleaning even fractions of the known environmental problems are truly enormous, as detailed in the volume Environmental Risk Analysis (I. Lerche and E. Paleologos, 2001, McGraw-Hill). The chances of causing new environmental problems, and their associated costs of clean up, are equally challenging in terms of anthropogenic influences and also of the natural environmental problems that can be triggered by humanity.
Environmental Geology : Handbook of Field Methods and Case Studies
As earth’s population continues to grow and the detrimental aftereffects of industrialization and environmental negligence become more apparent, society has become more aware of, and concerned about, stewardship of the natural environment – water, soil, and air. Sustainable development has become more widely received and promoted in many parts of the world. The need is now critical for earth and environmental scientists and engineers to work together to implement technologies that can preserve our environment. The Earth’s population was 6.6 billion as of April 2007 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This number is expected to rise to 9.4 billion by 2050. The population is increasing the demand for natural resources and energy, and increasing stress on the environment. Thus, protection of the environment and remediation of damage to the environment must be a priority. It is also important to develop procedures that will help to avert further damage to the environment and to recognize as early as possible the risks associated with changes in the environment. Many methodologies and technologies have become more advanced in the past few decades, and new technologies and approaches have been developed, all to address the growing need for environmental assessment, monitoring, and remediation. As these technologies have grown, the need for interdisciplinary cooperation has also become more apparent.
