Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental Biotechnology: A Biosystems Approach, Second Edition presents valuable information on how biotechnology has acted as a vital buffer among people, pollution, and the environment. It answers the most important questions on the topic, including how, and why, a knowledge and understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological principles of the environment must be achieved in order to develop biotechnology applications.Most texts address either the applications or the implications of biotechnology. This book addresses both. The applications include biological treatment and other environmental engineering processes. The risks posed by biotechnologies are evaluated from both evidence-based and precautionary perspectives. Using a systems biology approach, the book provides a context for researchers and practitioners in environmental science that complements guidebooks on the necessary specifications and criteria for a wide range of environmental designs and applications. Users will find crucial information on the topics scientific researchers must evaluate in order to develop further technologies.
- Provides a systems approach to biotechnologies which includes the physical, biological, and chemical processes in context- Presents relevant case studies on cutting-edge technologies, such as nanobiotechnologies and green engineering- Addresses both the applications and implications of biotechnologies by following the lifecycle of a variety of established and developing biotechnologies- Includes crucial information on the topics scientific researchers must evaluate in order to develop further technologies

Professor Daniel A. Vallero is an internationally recognized author and expert in environmental science and engineering. He has devoted decades to conducting research, teaching, and mentoring future scientists and engineers. He is currently developing tools and models to predict potential exposures to chemicals in consumer products. He is a full adjunct professor of civil and environmental engineering at Duke University's Pratt School of Engineering. He has authored 20 environmental textbooks, with the most recent addressing the importance of physical principles in environmental science and engineering. His books have addressed all environmental compartments and media within the earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, and biosphere.

PrefaceChapter 1 Environmental biotechnology: An overviewChapter 2 A question of balance: Using versus abusing biological systemsChapter 3 Environmental biochemodynamic processesChapter 4 SystemsChapter 5 Environmental risks of biotechnologiesChapter 6 Reducing biotechnological risksChapter 7 Applied ecologyChapter 8 Biotechnological implications: A systems approachChapter 9 Environmental risks of biotechnologies: Economic sector perspectivesChapter 10 Addressing biotechnological pollutantsChapter 11 Nanobiotechology and emerging sciencesChapter 12 Mechanisms and outcomesChapter 13 Analyzing the environmental implications of emerging technologiesChapter 14 Responsible management of biotechnologiesAppendix 1 Background information on environmental impact statementsAppendix 2 Cancer potency factorsAppendix 3 Verification method for rapid polymerase chain reaction systems to detect biological agentsAppendix 4 Summary of persistent and toxic organic compounds in North America, identified by the United Nations as highest priorities for regional actionsAppendix 5 Sample retrieval from ECOTOX database for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to DDT and its metabolites in freshwaterGlossaryIndex