This book comprehensively reviews the key topics in microbial fuel cells (MFC) and its applications in areas related to energy and environmental mitigation. It covers the microbial electrochemistry and the generation of electricity from waste, various synthesis and characterization approaches of polymer-based MFC electrodes, the multifunctional properties of a MFC which allows its simultaneous use as a fuel cell, bioremediation and biosensor device. It provides new direction to the readers to better understand the chemistry in MFC and methods to improve their desired properties. This book is a very valuable reference source for graduates and postgraduates, engineers and research scholars in the areas related to fuel cells electrochemistry and pollution mitigation.

Progress and Recent Trends in Microbial Fuel Cells provides an in-depth analysis of the fundamentals, working principles, applications and advancements (including commercialization aspects) made in the field of Microbial Fuel Cells research, with critical analyses and opinions from experts around the world. Microbial Fuel cell, as a potential alternative energy harnessing device, has been progressing steadily towards fruitful commercialization. Involvements of electrolyte membranes and catalysts have been two of the most critical factors toward achieving this progress. Added applications of MFCs in areas of bio-hydrogen production and wastewater treatment have made this technology extremely attractive and important. . - Reviews and compares MFCs with other alternative energy harnessing devices, particularly in comparison to other fuel cells - Analyses developments of electrolyte membranes, electrodes, catalysts and biocatalysts as critical components of MFCs, responsible for their present and future progress - Includes commercial aspects of MFCs in terms of (i) generation of electricity, (ii) microbial electrolysis cell, (iii) microbial desalination cell, and (iv) wastewater and sludge treatment

Freshwater is a finite resource and is being deteriorated directly and indirectly by anthropogenic pressures. Preserving the quality and availability of freshwater resources is becoming one of the most pressing environmental challenges on the international horizon. To ensure the preservation as well as availability of freshwater resources, there is a need to understand the ecology of the freshwater systems, pollution problems, their impacts, restoration techniques to be opted and the conservation measures. In this backdrop the present book on ‘Freshwater Pollution Dynamics and Remediation’ has been compiled. The book provides an understanding about the present state of art, pollution impacts including the changes in the environmental quality as well as the shift in the aquatic biological communities of the fragile freshwater ecosystems. Besides, the impact of deteriorating quality of the freshwater ecosystems on the animal and human health is also discussed in detail. This book provides a comprehensive account of the techniques based on updated research in biotechnology, bio-remediation, phyto-remediation and nano-bioremediation. The role of biosorpers and biofilms as a remediation tool has also been detailed. The book is a ready reference for researchers, scientists and educators who are involved in the freshwater pollution, remediation and management studies. The book editors with an expertise in diverse research fields in freshwater ecosystems have congregated the most inclusive research accounts on the freshwater pollution and remediation and thus developed a repository of diverse knowledge on the subject

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products Waste Management and Treatment Technology: Emerging Contaminants and Micro Pollutants provides the tools and techniques for identifying these contaminates and applying the most effective technology for their remediation, recovery and treatment. The consumption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has grown significantly over the last 35 years, thus increasing their potential risk to the environment. As PPCPs are very difficult to detect and remove using conventional wastewater treatment methods, this book provides solutions to a growing problem. - Includes sampling, analytical and characterization methods and technology for detecting PPCPs in the environment - Provides advanced treatment and disposal technologies for the removal of PPCPs from wastewater, surface water, landfills and septic systems - Examines the pathways of PPCPs into the environment

This book encompasses the most updated and recent account of research and implementation of Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (METs) from pioneers and experienced researchers in the field who have been working on the interface between electrochemistry and microbiology/biotechnology for many years. It provides a holistic view of the METs, detailing the functional mechanisms, operational configurations, influencing factors governing the reaction process and integration strategies. The book not only provides historical perspectives of the technology and its evolution over the years but also the most recent examples of up-scaling and near future commercialization, making it a must-read for researchers, students, industry practitioners and science enthusiasts. Key Features: Introduces novel technologies that can impact the future infrastructure at the water-energy nexus. Outlines methodologies development and application of microbial electrochemical technologies and details out the illustrations of microbial and electrochemical concepts. Reviews applications across a wide variety of scales, from power generation in the laboratory to approaches. Discusses techniques such as molecular biology and mathematical modeling; the future development of this promising technology; and the role of the system components for the implementation of bioelectrochemical technologies for practical utility. Explores key challenges for implementing these systems and compares them to similar renewable energy technologies, including their efficiency, scalability, system lifetimes, and reliability.

The book is a comprehensive deep-dive into the developments and advancements of emerging carbon-based nanocomposites for wastewater applications. Science and technology development are tackling one of the world's most pressing concerns—water contamination and effective treatment. Carbon-based nanocomposites have emerged as one of the leading materials in this treatment push because of their properties and high ability for the catalytic degradation of contaminants from aqueous segments. The 10 chapters in this timely book cover the follows areas: Carbon-based nanocomposites for remediation of heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater Functional green carbon nanocomposites for heavy-metal treatment in water Green nanocomposites and applications in environmentally-friendly carbon nanomaterials Carbon-based nanocomposites as heterogeneous catalysts for organic reactions in environment-friendly solvents Carbon-based polymer nanocomposite applications Biochar-based adsorbents for the removal of organic pollutants from aqueous systems Carbon nanomaterial-based green nanocomposites The removal of trihalomethanes from water using nanofiltration membranes Nanocomposite materials as electrode materials in microbial fuel cells for the removal of water pollutants Plasmonic smart nanosensors for the determination of environmental pollutants.

This book discusses new and innovative trends and techniques in the removal of toxic and or refractory pollutants through various environmental biotechnological processes from wastewater, both at the laboratory and industrial scale. It focuses primarily on environmentally-friendly technologies which respect the principles of sustainable development, including the advanced trends in remediation through an approach of environmental biotechnological processes from either industrial or sewage wastewater. Features: Examines the fate and occurrence of refractory pollutants in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and the potential approaches for their removal. Highlights advanced remediation procedures involving various microbiological and biochemical processes. Assesses and compares the potential application of numerous existing treatment techniques and introduces new, emerging technologies. Removal of Refractory Pollutants from Wastewater Treatment Plants is suitable for practicing engineers, researchers, water utility managers, and students who seek an excellent introduction and basic knowledge in the principles of environmental bioremediation technologies.

This book describes the water sector as it is structured in Italy, presenting innovative engineering, financial and managerial solutions implemented by the Italian water sector, through the experiences of its major stakeholders. The main themes addressed include water regulation, financing infrastructures, economic performance of the leading companies, abstraction, potabilization, distribution, treatment and purification technologies, energy production, and organizational restructuring. The last part of the work presents company profiles with important financial indicators, as well as future strategic postures. Written by leading Italian experts, the book reflects the remarkable advances that have been made in the field of water governance and environmental management. The book is especially valuable for researchers, water professionals, utility managers, as well as policy makers and foreign investors looking for opportunities. This work has been prepared as part of the research activities of the Observatory on Sustainable Water Industry, one of Agici’s Research and Advisory units.

In view of the increased consumption of energy due to the proliferation of electronic devices, this book addresses the trends, similarities, differences and advances in fuel cells of both chemical and biological composition. Fundamentals of microbial fuel cells are described, accompanied by details surrounding their uses and limitations. Chapters on electricigens, microbial group investigations and performance, Rumen Fluid microbes and state-of-the-art advances in microbial fuel cell technology are discussed. The book elaborates upon analytical techniques used for biofilm characterization. It also includes chapters on MFC models that include plant-based MFCs, Algal/Fungi MFCs, MDCs and MFCs using animal waste. A critical review on the performance of MFC technology in field trials is offered in an exclusively dedicated section. By addressing one of the most promising sources for clean and renewable energy, this book fills a pressing need to understand a possible solution for meeting the energy demands in our highly advanced technical world.

In the context of wastewater treatment, Bioelectrochemical Systems (BESs) have gained considerable interest in the past few years, and several BES processes are on the brink of application to this area. This book, written by a large number of world experts in the different sub-topics, describes the different aspects and processes relevant to their development. Bioelectrochemical Systems (BESs) use micro-organisms to catalyze an oxidation and/or reduction reaction at an anodic and cathodic electrode respectively. Briefly, at an anode oxidation of organic and inorganic electron donors can occur. Prime examples of such electron donors are waste organics and sulfides. At the cathode, an electron acceptor such as oxygen or nitrate can be reduced. The anode and the cathode are connected through an electrical circuit. If electrical power is harvested from this circuit, the system is called a Microbial Fuel Cell; if electrical power is invested, the system is called a Microbial Electrolysis Cell. The overall framework of bio-energy and bio-fuels is discussed. A number of chapters discuss the basics – microbiology, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, technology and materials development. The book continues by highlighting the plurality of processes based on BES technology already in existence, going from wastewater based reactors to sediment based bio-batteries. The integration of BESs into existing water or process lines is discussed. Finally, an outlook is provided of how BES will fit within the emerging biorefinery area.