Environmental Biotechnology: A Biosystems Approach

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 contextPresents relevant case studies on cutting-edge technologies, such as nanobiotechnologies and green engineeringAddresses both the applications and implications of biotechnologies by following the lifecycle of a variety of established and developing biotechnologiesIncludes crucial information on the topics scientific researchers must evaluate in order to develop further technologies

Preface

Chapter 1 Environmental biotechnology: An overview

Chapter 2 A question of balance: Using versus abusing biological systems

Chapter 3 Environmental biochemodynamic processes

Chapter 4 Systems

Chapter 5 Environmental risks of biotechnologies

Chapter 6 Reducing biotechnological risks

Chapter 7 Applied ecology

Chapter 8 Biotechnological implications: A systems approach

Chapter 9 Environmental risks of biotechnologies: Economic sector perspectives

Chapter 10 Addressing biotechnological pollutants

Chapter 11 Nanobiotechology and emerging sciences

Chapter 12 Mechanisms and outcomes

Chapter 13 Analyzing the environmental implications of emerging technologies

Chapter 14 Responsible management of biotechnologies

Appendix 1 Background information on environmental impact statements

Appendix 2 Cancer potency factors

Appendix 3 Verification method for rapid polymerase chain reaction systems to detect biological agents

Appendix 4 Summary of persistent and toxic organic compounds in North America, identified by the United Nations as highest priorities for regional actions

Appendix 5 Sample retrieval from ECOTOX database for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to DDT and its metabolites in freshwater

Glossary

Index