Wiley-VCH - Environmental Studies

1. Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants

   Learn the various microbiological aspects one deals with in environment management and the remediation of toxic contaminants in the environment In recent years, the accumulation of hazardous contaminants has caused a broad-based deterioration in global environmental quality. These have had wide-ranging negative social impacts, affecting climate, soil and water ecosystems, and more. As traditional methods of contaminant mitigation have proven inadequate to the task, microbial-based remediation offers the clearest, most environmentally friendly path forward for this crucial aspect of global environmental stewardship. Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants offers comprehensive coverage of novel and indigenous microbes and their applications in contaminant mitigation. Surveying all the major microbial products and methods for degrading and remediating hazardous pollutants, it offers a key tool in the fight against global environmental degradation. The result is a cutting-edge introduction to an essential subject. Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants will also find: * Current and future approaches to microbial degradation * Detailed discussion of biofilms, exopolysaccharides, enzymes, metabolites, and many more * Coverage of metabolic engineering as an alternative strategy Microbes Based Approaches for the Management of Hazardous Contaminants is ideal for those working in the field for the application of microbes in the remediation of hazardous pollutants and environment management, particularly those interested in environmental sciences, microbiology and microbial technology, environmental biotechnology, and molecular biology. [464 Pages, Hardcover] Read More...

   
   
   
2. Carbon Societies

   The climate crisis is humanmade. Its main cause is the burning of fossil fuels. To combat climate change, we have to understand how we arrived at where we are. This book explores the reasons why human societies have embarked on the trajectory of ever-increasing use of fossil fuels. Population growth, desire for freedom from want and profit-seeking all played major roles in shaping human history, but there has been no inevitable drive towards heating up the atmosphere in the pursuit of social objectives. To sustain a growing population, more natural resources are required, but their use does not need to generate climate change. No logic of modernity links freedom with a kind of material abundance that requires the burning of fossil fuels. No logic of capital necessarily ties the search for profit to the extraction of fossil resources. Examining the critical junctures in human history when resource regimes changed, this book identifies the social problems that were meant to be solved by burning fossil fuels and the power hierarchies that shaped the decisions to use them. Wagner argues that the key choices that led to the climate emergency were made relatively recently, during the second half of the 20th century: they are close enough in time for us to undo the prevailing social logic of fossil fuels. By redefining the key problems that humankind is facing and reshaping the existing mechanisms of power, we can take the decisive action needed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and avert the worst consequences of climate change. [320 Pages, Hardcover] Read More...

   
   
   
3. Carbon Societies

   The climate crisis is humanmade. Its main cause is the burning of fossil fuels. To combat climate change, we have to understand how we arrived at where we are. This book explores the reasons why human societies have embarked on the trajectory of ever-increasing use of fossil fuels. Population growth, desire for freedom from want and profit-seeking all played major roles in shaping human history, but there has been no inevitable drive towards heating up the atmosphere in the pursuit of social objectives. To sustain a growing population, more natural resources are required, but their use does not need to generate climate change. No logic of modernity links freedom with a kind of material abundance that requires the burning of fossil fuels. No logic of capital necessarily ties the search for profit to the extraction of fossil resources. Examining the critical junctures in human history when resource regimes changed, this book identifies the social problems that were meant to be solved by burning fossil fuels and the power hierarchies that shaped the decisions to use them. Wagner argues that the key choices that led to the climate emergency were made relatively recently, during the second half of the 20th century: they are close enough in time for us to undo the prevailing social logic of fossil fuels. By redefining the key problems that humankind is facing and reshaping the existing mechanisms of power, we can take the decisive action needed to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and avert the worst consequences of climate change. [320 Pages, Softcover] Read More...

   
   
   
4. Glacier-Permafrost Interactions

   Glacier-Permafrost Interactions A systematic exploration of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost In Glacier-Permafrost Interactions, experienced glaciologist Richard I. Waller delivers a comprehensive discussion of the interactions between glaciers and permafrost. The book is highly relevant to contemporary debates regarding ongoing recession of glaciers and the degradation of permafrost in the face of global warming. By integrating modern-era observations with findings from Quaternary science, this book demonstrates how glaciers and permafrost can interact and behave as an integrated system. This summary of the current thinking and emerging research on glacier-permafrost interaction also provides: * Comprehensive discussions of permafrost in modern and ancient glacial environments * A focused review of the distinctive characteristics of glaciers found in permafrost environments * An integrated overview of the nature and impacts of glacier-permafrost interactions on the hydrology and dynamic behaviour of glaciers and their landscape expression * A survey of current research efforts and future directions in the field Lying at the boundary between a research monograph and an advanced textbook, Glacier-Permafrost Interactions contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving field by incorporating new approaches and ideas while still offering a summary of the current state of knowledge. It is perfect for advanced undergraduate students, postgraduate students, researchers, and professionals with an interest in polar and alpine environments. [320 Pages, Hardcover] Read More...

   
   
   
5. Toxic Effects of Micro- and Nanoplastics

   This book provides in-depth coverage of the sources, dispersion, life cycle assessment strategies, physico-chemical interactions, methods of analysis, toxicological investigation, and remediation strategies of micro and nanoplastics. Micro and nanoplastics are the degradation products of large plastic compounds. These degraded polymers enter into the natural environment, including air, water, and food, which leads to various significant threats to human health. The nature of these micro and nanoplastics is persistent and consequently accumulates in the exposed person's body. Research into microplastics has shown that these particles accumulate in various human organs and impart detrimental effects on humans. To safeguard human health, analysis and remediation strategies are necessary. This book provides a comprehensive overview in 24 chapters on the source, distribution, life cycle assessment strategies, physico-chemical interactions, methods of analysis, toxicological investigation, and remediation strategies of micro and nanoplastics. Audience This book is a valuable resource for chemists and polymer scientists in various industries including plastics, fisheries, food and beverages, environmental sciences, agriculture, and medicine, as well as government policymakers. [608 Pages, Hardcover] Read More...