The many thousands of human-made and other chemical compounds present in the environment offer a serious challenge to our btosphere. It is appropriate, therefore, that our response to these products of human kno- edge and ingenuity should draw on a body of mtenstve scientific endeavor that is no less impressive. Bioremediation offers the possibility of harnessing the diversity of the biosphere to degrade, remove, alter, or otherwise detoxify these various chemicals. It brings together scientists from a wide variety of disciplines and backgrounds, such as microbiology, molecular biology, a- lytical chemistry, and chemical and environmental engineering, among o- ers. These different fields, each with its own individual approach, have actively contributed to the development of bioremediation research tn recent years. The prmcipal objective of Bioremediation Protocols is to make the fruits of some of this research available in a different format to that of the textbook or journal article. It provides a selection of clearly written laboratory pro- cols presented as stepwise, easy-to-follow mstructions. In common with p- wous volumes in this and the companion Methods in Molecular Biology series, an extensive “Notes” section is provided with each chapter. This contains u- ful mformation (of a type often not normally included m a research paper) supplementmg the protocol. Reviews and case studies are also included to provide a deeper context to the methods chapters.

This book explores imaginative and ambitious multidisciplinary techniques to remove pollutants from a variety of environments. It addresses broader issues surrounding bioremediation and includes detailed protocols of various effective techniques.

In situ bioremediationâ€"the use of microorganisms for on-site removal of contaminantsâ€"is potentially cheaper, faster, and safer than conventional cleanup methods. But in situ bioremediation is also clouded in uncertainty, controversy, and mistrust. This volume from the National Research Council provides direction for decisionmakers and offers detailed and readable explanations of: the processes involved in in situ bioremediation, circumstances in which it is best used, and methods of measurement, field testing, and modeling to evaluate the results of bioremediation projects. Bioremediation experts representing academic research, field practice, regulation, and industry provide accessible information and case examples; they explore how in situ bioremediation works, how it has developed since its first commercial use in 1972, and what research and education efforts are recommended for the future. The volume includes a series of perspective papers. The book will be immediately useful to policymakers, regulators, bioremediation practitioners and purchasers, environmental groups, concerned citizens, faculty, and students.

This volume presents detailed descriptions of methods for evaluating, monitoring and assessing bioremediation of soil contaminated with organic pollutants or heavy metals. Traditional soil investigation techniques, including chemical, physical and microbiological methods, are complemented by the most suitable modern methods, including bioreporter technology, immunological, ecotoxicological and molecular assays. Step-by-step procedures, lists of required equipment and reagents and notes on evaluation and quality control allow immediate application

In the field of biosensors the previous focus has been almost entirely on medical diagnostics. Here it is discussed in relation to bioremediation. The application of new biosensing techniques to environmental monitoring promises to be a more economical approach to monitoring both soil consortia and levels of pollutants. Significantly, functional biosensors can determine such parameters as`How clean is clean?' This new edition is targeted specifically at graduate students and environmental professionals.

Bioremediation - the use of microorganisms for environmental clean-up - is a technology that is experiencing a rapid phase of development. From the opening chapter of Perspectives in Bioremediation, on the nature of environmental site assessment, on to the genetic manipulation of native soil microorganisms, the international collection of authors provide an understanding of the current progress and limitations of technologies that are designed to help nature herself. The book draws together many different aspects of environmental remediation: the environmental engineer is introduced to the bacteria of contaminated environments and the ideas developing from genetic engineering; the environmental microbiologist can grasp site assessment and the predictive kinetic analysis of potentials. The book provides a clear and concise introduction to the nature of and potential for bioremediation to contribute to a critical global effort in eliminating contamination of the world's resources and to start to reverse decades of environmental mismanagement and neglect.

The occurrence of heavy metals in the environment, even in traces, represents a severe risk for the ecosystems and can be dangerous to human health. However, a better understanding of the main aspects involved is still needed to reduce its negative impact on the environment and health. This book covers the recent methods used for the evaluation of heavy metal pollution and the identification of its sources, descriptions of some of the processes involved in its mobility and transport, attempts to address health and environmental effects of heavy metals pollution, and presents alternative technologies for its removal and remediation from environmental samples. Therefore, this book is recommended for experts in the comprehensive management of metal contamination in different environmental compartments.