At the dawn of the 21st century, biotechnology is emerging as a key
enabling technology for sustainable environmental protection and
stewardship. Biotechnology for the Environment: Soil Remediation
offers a state-of-the-art account of environmental biotechnology both in
emerging and in more mature technological applications of soil
remediation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Harnessing the potential
of microorganisms and plants as eco-efficient and robust cleanup agents
in a variety of practical situations is not only possible but is
becoming widespread practice. Chapters are featured on current
experience and trends in bioremediation of contaminated soil, life cycle
assessment software tools for remediation planning, ex situ cleanup
technologies using slurry reactors, implementation of anaerobic and
aerobic in situ processes including monitored natural attenuation,
complementary technologies on pesticide immobilisation in soil or
humification of nitroaromatics, and, finally, phytoremediation of
recalcitrant organic compounds and heavy metals. These contributions
should be of value to environmental scientists, engineers and
decision-makers involved in the development, evaluation or
implementation of biological treatment systems.
For more information on Strategy and Fundamentals, see Focus on
Biotechnology volume 3A, and for more information on Waste Water and
Waste Gas Handling, see Focus on Biotechnology volume 3C.
