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: Strategy and
Fundamentals captures the dynamism of environmental biotechnology as
it addresses the molecular functioning of microorganisms as cleanup
agents, their communal interactions in natural and polluted ecosystems,
and the foundations of practical bioremediation processes. Chapters on
biological pollution control in the chemical industry, biodegradation of
persistent molecules (halogenated compounds, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, detergents, etc.),
microbial diversity with impact on global change, bioaugmentation
strategies, and sensors for ecotoxicological monitoring, will be of
value to environmental scientists, engineers, and decision-makers
involved in the development, evaluation, or implementation of biological
treatment systems.
For information on Soil Remediation, see Focus on Biotechnology volume
3B, and for information on Waste Water and Waste Gas Handling, see
Focus on Biotechnology volume 3C.