Pollution is one of the most serious issues facing mankind and other life forms on earth. Environmental pollution leads to the degradation of ecosystems, loss of services, economic losses, and various other problems. The eco-friendliest approach to rejuvenating polluted ecosystems is with the help of microorganism-based bioremediation. Microorganisms are characterized by great biodiversity, genetic and metabolic machinery, and by their ability to survive, even in extremely polluted environments. As such, they are and will remain the most important tools for restoring polluted ecosystems / habitats. This three-volume book sheds light on the utilization of microorganisms and the latest technologies for cleaning up polluted sites. It also discusses the remediation or degradation of various important pollutants such as pesticides, wastewater, plastics, PAHs, oil spills etc. The book also explains the latest technologies used for the degradation of pollutants in several niche ecosystems. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to teachers, researchers, bioremediation scientists, capacity builders and policymakers. It also offers valuable additional reading material for undergraduate and graduate students of microbiology, ecology, soil science, and the environmental sciences.
Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji (Ph.D.) is a Faculty member at the Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Edo University Iyamho (EUI), Edo State, Nigeria, where he has explored the application of biological techniques and microbial bioprocesses to help achieve sustainable development goals and an agrarian revolution, through quality teaching, research, and community development. He is presently the Ag. Director of Intellectual Properties and Technology Transfer, Chairman of the Research Grant Committee, and an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Biotechnology at EUI. He has won several scientific awards and grants from renowned academic bodies like the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), India; Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India; The World Academy of Science (TWAS), Italy; Netherlands Fellowship Programme (NPF), Netherlands; The Agency for International Development Cooperation, Israel; and the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK, among many others. He has filed several scientific patents on bioherbicides, biopesticides, nanobiosurfactants and nanobiopesticides. He has published over 150 articles in journals and conference proceedings.
Dr. Deepak G. Panpatte has been working as a research scholar for the past 9 years. His main research interest is in agriculturally beneficial microorganisms, such as biofertilizers, biopesticides and biodegraders. He has also pioneered the development of fortified biocontrol bacterial consortiums with phyto-extracts for the management of phytopathogenic nematodes and fungi. He has received 5 international conference awards for his research, 1 award for Best Ph.D., and the Rastiya Gaurav Award for outstanding contributions to agriculture. He has published 14 research papers, 5 books & 16 book chapters with Springer, 1 practical manual, 33 popular articles and 2 editorials. He is also an editorial board member for several respected national and international journals.
Dr. Yogeshvari K. Jhala is an Assistant Professor with 11 years of teaching and research experience. Her main research interest is in agriculturally beneficial microorganisms such as biofertilizers, biopesticides and biodegraders. She was the first researcher worldwide to report on 5 unique strains of methanotrophic bacteria. She has received the All India Best Research Award and Young Faculty Award for her outstanding research on methanotrophic bacteria. Her publications include 17 research papers, 5 books, 12 book chapters, 2 teaching manuals, 24 popular articles and 2 editorials.
