This second and expanded edition of the first book on agromining (phytomining) presents a comprehensive overview of the metal farming & recovery of the agromining production chain. Agromining is an emerging technology that aims to transform the extraction of sources of target elements not accessible by traditional mining and processing techniques. Agromining, which is based on sustainable development, uses hyperaccumulator plants as 'metal crops' farmed on sub-economic soils or minerals wastes to obtain valuable target elements. This volume is edited and authored by the pioneers in the rapidly expanding field of agromining and presents the latest insights and developments in the field. This book provides in-depth information on the global distribution and ecology of hyperaccumulator plants, their biogeochemical pathways, the influence of rhizosphere microbes, the physiology and molecular biology of hyperaccumulation, as well as aspects of propagation and conservation of these unusual plants. It describes the agronomy of metal crops and opportunities for incorporating agromining into rehabilitation and mine closure, including test cases for agromining of nickel, cobalt, manganese, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, zinc, thallium, rare earth elements and platinum group elements. Since the first edition was published, there have successful nickel agromining field trials in the tropics (in Malaysia and Guatemala), and these are presented in a dedicated case study chapter. Other new chapters focus on the processing of bio-ore for elements other than nickel, such as rare earth elements and cadmium, and on agromining from industrial wastes such as tailings, and industrial by-products and sites. Furthermore, the book features two new chapters that provide a comprehensive assessment of accumulation a very wide range elements from the Periodic Table in various plant species around the globe, and a chapter on practical methods for discovery of hyperaccumulator plant species in the field and in the herbarium. This book is of interest to environmental professionals in the minerals industry, government regulators, and academics.

Climate and environment of Gaia, mother Earth, are under multiple significant stresses. The increase in world population demands large increases in food production, but this must be reached by use of sustainable methods. Emission of climate gasses needs to be dramatically decreased, overall ecological footprints have to be diminished, and socioeconomy of rural areas has to be boosted. These aims are not easy to combine. However, the bio-economy and green solutions may provide mankind with tools of great value both to mitigate pollution and climate change and to adapt to future changes. It is clear that all forms of agriculture cause changes in balances and fluxes of pre-existing ecosystems, thereby limiting resiliency functions. Intensive agriculture in regions that are influenced by industrial pollution, with strong reduction of landscape structures and vast decoupling of energy and matter cycles, has caused stress and degradation of the production base; massive influence has also been exerted on neighbouring compartments. Average yields are probably close to 50 % of maximum yield many places, due to mismanagement of the crops during the production phase, or due to the inappropriate use of key resources. This relationship often leads to a mis-match between input of resources and process outputs, and creates pollution and unbalance in the landscape. Fertilizer runoff and salt accumulation occurs if water supply is in surplus or deficiency, due to soil compaction after use of large machines, and pollinating insects are suffering in regions with large monocultures and high pesticide inputs. These few examples show some of the dilemmas of using input factors in a way that does not fit with the overall conditions. Hence it will be as important as ever to develop new agricultural systems exploiting seasonal growth cycles through intercropping and the integration of mixed perennial crops to ensure permanent availability of plant fractions to be delivered to end users. The problem of degrading soils threatened by overuse, compaction, pollution and loss of biology can only be tackled by a cross disciplinary research approach addressing the entire spectrum of agricultural, environmental and socioeconomic functions of our agricultural systems. While efforts to demonstrate the benefit of site-specific management are relatively recent and have taken various approaches, they specifically refer to variable-rate applications of single inputs, e.g. seeds, fertilizers, chemicals. It is high time to deploy principles of precision agriculture for integrated crop management through combined variable inputs of irrigation water, fertilizers, composts and crop density to improve degrading land and on the other side produce valuable raw products for biorefineries and biobased industries In order to implement such novel production systems, for food and non-food products, the demonstration of land use changes, for biodiversity, for sufficient food and biomass production is essential, with emphasis on the diversity of species and varieties grown, harvested and converted to valuable products. Therefore this Research Topic combines studies demonstrating improved use of soil amendments, nutrients, as well as improved soil fertility for higher resilience against climate stress and recuperation of abandoned or contaminated soils for cropping and animal husbandry. Mixed cropping for high biomass production to create higher added value through the production and transformation of green biomass into novel products is presented as one of the solutions. Applied research for a sustainable and ecologically compatible land use aimed at sufficient food production is as important as ever. Adequate management plans have to be developed from modeling and implemented to increase soil life at the level of the local farm and the region. Growing biomass plants for biorefinery processes should lower production costs, avoid pollution of surface and groundwater, reduce pesticide residues, reduce a farmer’s overall risk, and increase both short- and long-term farm profitability. Such production systems are established amongst the authors of this Research Topic and will allow to obtain an integrated picture of the role of closed cycling loops for N, P and K, and water in an agricultural ecosystem. The next step will be to support decision-making using sustainability indicators and toolboxes as they have been developed for different agricultural systems. The availability of stable research networks of study sites across Europe will help to develop decision support systems applicable across a variety of domains for integrated food and non-food production in the EU, in regards to socio-economy, sustainability and ecology.

This book presents unique connectivity between waste management within the agenda 2030 of India. This book is the first publication presenting up-to-date work and knowledge about waste management and waste technologies to transfer waste to wealth in India. Besides, this book also presents the role of waste management and its contribution to achieving a sustainable development program in India, with vast implication worldwide. The main focuses of the book include waste and wealth and the associated technologies, recycling of solid waste, utilization of hazardous waste, use of nanoparticle in waste management, urban solid waste, generation of energy from organic waste, clean technologies, and use of waste in agriculture. The book is a unique source of information on the transformation of waste to wealth in India. This book is of interest to research communities in the field of waste management in India, and in similar socioeconomic countries, but also, due to the planetary implications, has global interest.

This book explains the concept of using phytotechnology with biomass production to improve soil quality and restore contaminated sites to a useful state that has economic and social value. Phytotechnology with Biomass Production: Sustainable Management of Contaminated Sites focuses on the application of second-generation biofuel crops, primarily Miscanthus, to slightly contaminated or marginal postmilitary and postmining soils. Based on recent and ongoing research from the United States, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, and Germany, along with case studies from other countries, this is the first comprehensive book on using phytotechnology with biomass production at contaminated sites at a global level. FEATURES Focuses on an important topic of a growing global activity: soil improvement through biomass production Includes case studies and success stories from different countries on application of Miscanthus phytotechnology to sites differently contaminated by trace elements, pesticides, and petroleum products Discusses the peculiarities of Miscanthus production on postmilitary and postmining contaminated lands and the impact of plant growth regulators, soil amendments, fertilizers, and biochar to the process Introduces soil fauna as indicators of soil health during Miscanthus phytotechnology application Presents Miscanthus value chain associated with the processing of Miscanthus biomass to different bioproducts While written primarily for faculty, students, research scientists, environmental and agricultural professionals, gardeners, farmers, landowners, and government officials, this book has value for all who are working on phytotechnology projects and phytomining to reduce risk and/or improve soil quality at contaminated sites. Phytotechnology with Biomass Production: Sustainable Management of Contaminated Sites is also a great new resource for those who are new to the topic and want to learn to apply phytotechnologies and biomass production with further conversion into energy and bioproducts.

Reducing consumption is now an absolute necessity for the future of our environment. The circular economy is designed to reduce resource wastage and waste production, but also enables waste recovery, leading to the creation of secondary resources. All materials, regardless of how they have been processed, can be reused. Recycling, a Challenge for the Circular Economy begins its analysis by raising awareness of the role of each of us in reducing the volume of individual waste. The book then outlines the strategies and challenges involved in recycling a wide range of materials, from minimally processed (wood, glass, building materials or polluted soil) to highly processed (electrical and electronic waste, batteries, magnets or plastics). Aspects of resource availability are also discussed, as well as ways of addressing the dynamic cycle of materials in the context of ever-increasing demand.

Metallophytes in Mineral Mining offers a cutting-edge look at the emerging technology of phytomining (or agromining) for the farming of metals in metal-rich soils. Metallophytes-based mineral mining is a rapidly growing field due to its potential contribution to socio-economic and ecological sustainability. The authors begin with a thorough overview of metallophytes and the analysis of metal-rich soils. The following chapters look closely at phytomining versus phytoremediation, metal transporter in hyperaccumulator plants, and microbe-assisted phytomining. The authors also carefully consider the implications of conserving metallophytes biodiversity. Finally, several case studies of valuable metals in agromining round out the chapters. This pioneering text provides the latest work and perspectives on metallophytes in mineral mining and how it may support sustainability.• Comprehensive overview of metallophytes, including origins and development, habitats, ecophysiology and ecology, categories, the unique adaptation against metal-rich soils, metal tolerance mechanisms, and practical uses• Key knowledge about using phytomining in remediation and management of metal-rich soil and in obtaining high grade bio-ores• Explores several important case studies on valuable metal farming through agromining using metal plants

Phytorestoration of Abandoned Mining and Oil Drilling Sites presents case studies and the latest research on the most effective methods to address the large amounts of waste materials released due to mining and oil drilling. In particular, phytoremediation is described as a novel, eco-friendly, cost-effective method for extracting toxic compounds by plants for the restoration of contaminated sites. Plantings on these contaminated areas lead to the removal of toxic substances such as heavy metals and hydrocarbons, improvement in the physicochemical and biological properties of the soil, long-term forest ecosystem rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystem productivity, stability and biological diversity, and reductions in CO2. Utilizing worldwide examples, this book discusses the potential of phytoremediation as an ideal solution for sites contaminated by mining and oil drilling sites. - Includes exploration of efficient plants for restoring contaminated former mining and oil drilling sites - Addresses adverse impacts of toxicants released from mining activities on living organisms, including human health - Presents characteristics of contaminated former mining and oil drilling sites

This comprehensive volume covers recent studies into agricultural problems caused by soil and water contamination. Considering the importance of agricultural crops to human health, the editors have focused on chapters detailing the negative impact of heavy metals, excessive chemical fertilizer use, nutrients, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, agricultural wastes and toxic pollutants, among others, on agricultural soil and crops. In addition, the chapters offer solutions to these negative impacts through various scientific approaches, including using biotechnology, nanotechnology, nutrient management strategies, biofertilizers, as well as potent PGRs and elicitors. This book serves as a key source of information on scientific and engineered approaches and challenges for the bioremediation of agricultural contamination worldwide. This book should be helpful for research students, teachers, agriculturalists, agronomists, botanists, and plant growers, as well as in the fields of agriculture, agronomy, plant science, plant biology, and biotechnology, among others. It serves as an excellent reference on the current research and future directions of contaminants in agriculture from laboratory research to field application.