Vetiveria is one of the most versatile genera in plant kingdom. For example, the species Vetiveria zizanoides produces oderous roots from which a precious essential oil is distilled and used in a variety of applications from perfumery to ethnopharmacology. The same roots give the plant particular characteristics that make it a valuable natural barr

Vetiveria is one of the most versatile genera in plant kingdom. For example, the species Vetiveria zizanoides produces oderous roots from which a precious essential oil is distilled and used in a variety of applications from perfumery to ethnopharmacology. The same roots give the plant particular characteristics that make it a valuable natural barr

For developing nations, soil erosion is among the most chronic environmental and economic burdens. Vast amounts of topsoil are washed or blown away from arable land only to accumulate in rivers, reservoirs, harbors, and estuaries, thereby creating a double disaster: a vital resource disappears from where it is desperately needed and is deposited where it is equally unwanted. Despite much rhetoric and effort, little has been done to overcome this problem. Vetiver, a little-known tropical grass, offers one practical and inexpensive way to control erosion on a huge scale in both humid and semi-arid regions. Hedges of this deeply rooted species catch and hold back sediments while the stiff foliage acts as a filter that also slows runoff and keeps moisture on site. This book assesses vetiver's promise and limitations and identifies places where this grass can be deployed without undue environmental risk.

Phytotechnologies: Remediation of Environmental Contaminants highlights the use of natural and inherent traits of plants and associated microbes to exclude, accumulate, or metabolize a variety of contaminants, with the goal of efficiently and sustainably decontaminating the biosphere from unwanted hazardous compounds. Contributed by an international team of authors, the book ensures a balance between theory and practice without compromising the basic conceptual framework of Phytotechnologies. Divided into three major sections, the book: Introduces contaminants and contaminated sites, and also highlights the significance of genus Brassica and vetiver grass species for varied environmental contaminants’ remediation Presents an exhaustive exploration of potential strategies for enhancing plants and associated microbes-mediated environmental contaminants’ remediation Overviews major physiological, biochemical, and genetic-molecular mechanisms responsible for plant tolerance and adaptation to varied environmental contaminants A one-stop source of cutting edge answers and time-saving access, Phytotechnologies: Remediation of Environmental Contaminants is a common platform for engineers, environmental microbiologists, plant physiologists, and molecular biologists with the common aim of sustainable solutions to vital environmental issues. In short, the book provides a conceptual overview of ecosystems approaches and phytotechnologies, and their cumulative significance in relation to various environmental problems and potential solutions.

Essential oils, renowned for their multifaceted properties, have been integral to the tapestry of human history, forging connections to our past by evoking memories of cherished places and the aromatic embrace of grandparents' kitchens. Beyond their nostalgic allure, these oils play a pivotal role in various industries, serving as functional compounds in food matrices, packaging, preservatives, and essential elements in plant protection—ranging from pesticides to antimicrobials and repellents. This book unfolds in ten chapters, presenting a collection of groundbreaking studies on the composition, biological, and pharmacological properties of essential oils. Collaborative efforts from multidisciplinary groups across the globe, including Brazil, Chile, Vietnam, Nigeria, and the Southeast Asian Region, converge to offer a diverse and innovative perspective on the subject. Delving into the intricate world of essential oils, this book encapsulates a wealth of knowledge that transcends geographical boundaries, providing valuable insights regarding the global impact and applications of these extraordinary natural compounds.

The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices provides comprehensive coverage of the taxonomy, botany, chemistry, functional properties, medicinal uses, culinary uses and safety issues relating to over 250 species of herbs and spices. These herbs and spices constitute an important agricultural commodity; many are traded globally and are indispensable for pharmaceuticals, flavouring foods and beverages, and in the perfumery and cosmetic industries. More recently, they are increasingly being identified as having high nutraceutical potential and important value in human healthcare. This encyclopedia is an excellent resource for researchers, students, growers and manufacturers, in the fields of horticulture, agriculture, botany, crop sciences, food science and pharmacognosy.

HYBRIDIZIED TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF MINING EFFLUENTS The main goal of this book is to review the principles, development, and performances of hybridized technologies that have been used for the treatment of mine effluents. Recent developments consist of the integration/hybridization of technologies to achieve the effective removal of pollutants from acid mine drainage (AMD) effluents in a stepwise manner such as to ensure that the cost of the process is minimized, and the resulting water is fit for purpose. This book presents eight specialized chapters that provide a state-of-the-art review of the different hybridized technologies that have been developed over the years for the treatment of mine effluent, including AMD. The successful implementation and challenges of these technologies are highlighted to give the reader a perspective on the management of such waste in the mining industry. In this innovative book, readers will be introduced to The limitations of passive and active treatment processes as stand-alone technologies while appraising the functioning and performances of these technologies when combined to address their challenges; The numerous approaches that have been considered over the years for effective combination of these technologies are explored taking into account their successful implementation at large scale as well as the long-term sustainability. Audience This book will be of interest to academic researchers from the fields of environment, chemistry, engineering, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, geochemistry, and professionals including mining plant operators, environmental managers in the industries, water treatment plants managers and operators, water authorities, government regulatory bodies officers and environmentalists.

This meticulously researched compendium provides every aspect of growing, identifying, harvesting, preserving, and using more than 500 species of herbs. Thorough profiles provide a plant's botanical name and family, whether it is an annual or perennial, its height, hardiness, light requirements, water consumption, required soil type, and pH. The often fascinating history of the plant, the chemistry of its essential oils, and its culinary, landscape, and craft uses are also included, as is advice on how to propagate. For the first edition of their work, both authors received The Gertrude B. Foster Award for Excellence in Herbal Literature from the Herb Society of America. This new edition adds important species and includes updated nomenclature.