With petroleum-related spills, explosions, and health issues in the
headlines almost every day, the issue of remediation of petroleum and
petroleum products is taking on increasing importance, for the survival
of our environment, our planet, and our future. This book is the first
of its kind to explore this difficult issue from an engineering and
scientific point of view and offer solutions and reasonable courses of
action.
This book will guide the reader through the various methods that are
used for the bioremediation of petroleum and petroleum products. The
text is easy to read and includes many up-to-date and topical
references.
This book introduces the reader to the science and technology of
biodegradation--a key process in the bioremediation of petroleum and
petroleum-based contaminants at spill sites. The contaminants of concern
in the molecularly variable petroleum and petroleum products can be
degraded under appropriate conditions. But the success of the process
depends on the ability to determine the necessary conditions and
establish them in the contaminated environment.
Although the prime focus of the book is to determine the mechanism,
extent, and efficiency of biodegradation, it is necessary to know the
composition of the original petroleum or petroleum product. The laws of
science dictate what can or cannot be done with petroleum and petroleum
products to ensure that biodegradation (hence, bioremediation) processes
are effective. The science of the composition of petroleum and petroleum
products is at the core of understanding the chemistry of biodegradation
and bioremediation processes. Hence, inclusion of petroleum analyses and
properties along with petroleum product analyses and properties is a
necessary part of this text.
Bioremediation of Petroleum and Petroleum Products
- Summarizes the pros and cons of remediation of petroleum and
petroleum-based products, from an environmental perspective
- Gives examples of unethical behavior and how they should be corrected
- Offers arguments and elucidates engineering considerations on all
sides of these difficult environmental and economic issues
