Applied Bioremediation and Phytoremediation

The huge expansion of the chemical and petroleum industries in the twentieth century has resulted in the production of a vast array of chem­ ical compounds and materials that have transformed our lives. The associated large-scale manufacturing, processing and handling activi­ ties have caused a serious deterioration in environmental quality and created threats to human health. These negative impacts have led to responses and regulations requiring remedial action in support of envi­ ronmental sustainability. of biotechnological methods through bioremediation, Application has gained prominence as an option for soil remediation methods. Bioremediation is a multidisciplinary approach where biologists, chem­ ists, soil scientists and engineers work as team to develop and imple­ ment remediation processes. Bioremediation has now been used successfully to remediate many petroleum-contaminated sites. However, there are as yet no commercial technologies commonly used to reme­ diate the most recalcitrant contaminants. Nevertheless, bioremediation is a rapidly advancing field and new bio-based remedial technologies are continuing to emerge.

From the reviews: "The broad subject dealt with in this volume, the first in the ‘Soil biology’ series … prepared by 23 experts in various disciplines … . contributions include illustrations, tables and schemes, while the text is concluded by a generous reference list to aid further study of the subject. This book should prove to be useful to under- and post-graduate students of biotechnology, microbiology, and soil and environmental science and engineering. Teachers, scientists and engineers … will find the content, including practical aspects, helpful." (P.L. Pisani, Advances in Horticultural Science, Issue 3, 2005) "This book … presents a good review of the literature on bioremediation and phytoremediation. … There are references to field experiments and projects, and each chapter has a good set of references to important literature. An especially useful book for those professionals working to address remediation needs at field sites. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels." (L.E. Erickson, CHOICE, Vol. 42 (5), January, 2005) "In this book, volume 1 of the ‘Soil Biology’ series, experts from universities, government laboratories and industry from several countries have all contributed chapters on innovative methods in bioremediation and phytoremediation. The volume addresses a wide range of issues related to applied aspects of microbial and plant-based technologies … . Aimed at undergraduate and postgraduate students of biotechnology, microbiology, and soil and environmental science and engineering, this volume should also prove useful to teachers, scientists and engineers in academia, industry or government." (LabPlus International, Vol. 18 (4), September, 2004) "This book … deals with the rapidly advancing field of soil remediation by means of micro-organisms and plants. … Overall, the book is of high quality. … the editors have done a good job for which they are to be applauded. I warmly recommend this compact and appealing book to scientists, practitioners and students … . The many references to the literature given in most chapters add to its usefulness and value as a way of finding further information." (R. Schulin, European Journal of Soil Science, Vol. 57, 2006)