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Environmental Biotechnology

A Biosystems Approach

Environmental Biotechnology: A Biosystems Approach introduces a systems approach to environmental biotechnology and its applications to a range of environmental problems. A system… Read more

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Description

Environmental Biotechnology: A Biosystems Approach introduces a systems approach to environmental biotechnology and its applications to a range of environmental problems. A systems approach requires a basic understanding of four disciplines: environmental engineering, systems biology, environmental microbiology, and ecology. These disciplines are discussed in the context of their application to achieve specific environmental outcomes and to avoid problems in such applications. The book begins with a discussion of the background and historical context of contemporary issues in biotechnology. It then explains the scientific principles of environmental biotechnologies; environmental biochemodynamic processes; environmental risk assessment; and the reduction and management of biotechnological risks. It describes ways to address environmental problems caused or exacerbated by biotechnologies. It also emphasizes need for professionalism in environmental biotechnological enterprises. This book was designed to serve as a primary text for two full semesters of undergraduate study (e.g., Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology or Advanced Environmental Biotechnology). It will also be a resource text for a graduate-level seminar in environmental biotechnology (e.g., Environmental Implications of Biotechnology).

Key features

  • Provides a systems approach to biotechnologies which includes the physical, biological, and chemical processes in context
  • Case studies include cutting-edge technologies such as nanobiotechnologies and green engineering
  • Addresses both the applications and implications of biotechnologies by following the life-cycle of a variety of established and developing biotechnologies

Readership

Researchers in environmental biology, nanotechnology, systems biology and microbiology; environmental engineers; scientists at engineering and remediation companies and public organizations; practitioners in applied biology fields; graduate and post-doctoral students in these areas of science

Table of contents

Chapter 1: Environmental Biotechnology: An OverviewBiochemodynamicsAssessing the Biotechnological ImpactsBiotechnology and Bioengineering Discussion Box: Little Things Matter in a Chaotic WorldThe Environmental Biotechnology Discipline Biotechnology and SocietyRisk and Reliability: Some Forethought Beyond Biotechnological Applications TerminologyEureka!Oh No!The Science of Environmental BiotechnologyBoxes and EnvelopesReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 2: A Question of Balance: Using versus Abusing Biological Systems Environmental Biomimicry Engineered Systems Inspired by BiologyEnvironmental Biochemodynamics Biophile CyclingSequestration Carbon Sequestration in Soil Active SequestrationNitrogen and Sulfur BiochemodynamicsReview Questions Notes and Resources

Chapter 3: Environmental Biochemodynamic ProcessesCellular Thermodynamics Importance of Free Energy in Microbial MetabolismDissolution Phase Partitioning Thermodynamics in Abiotic and Biotic Systems Volatility/Solubility/Density Relationships Environmental Balances Fugacity Sorption Volatilization Bioavailability Persistent Bioaccumulating Toxic Substances Discussion Box: The Inuit and Persistent Organic Pollutants Extrinsic Factors Biochemodynamic Persistence and Half-Life Fugacity, Z Values, and Henry’s Law Advection Dispersion Aerodynamic and Hydrodynamic Dispersion Diffusion Overall Effect of the Fluxes, Sinks and Sources Biochemodynamic Transport Models Level 1 Model Level 2 Model Level 3 ModelReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 4: Systems Biotechnological Systems Putting Biology to Work Scale Systems Synergies: Biotechnological Analysis Using Bioindicators Biosensors Relationship between Green Engineering and Biotechnology Review Questions Notes

Chapter 5: Environmental Risks of BiotechnologiesEstimating Biotechnological RisksDose-ResponseExposure Estimation Discussion Box: Exposure Calculation Direct Bioengineering Risk CalculationsDiscussion Box: Cancer Risk Calculation Discussion Box: Non-cancer Risk Calculation Risk-based cleanup standardsDiscussion Box: Treatment by Genetic Modification Discussion Box: Risk-Based Contaminant Cleanup Discussion Box: Biotechnical CommunicationsReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 6: Reducing Biotechnological Risks Case Study Box: Genetic Biocontrols of Invaders Discussion Box: Discussion Box: Biochemodynamics of Pharmaceuticals Risk Causes Biographical Box: Sir Bradford Hill Case Study Box: Managing Risks by Distinguishing between Progenitor and Genetically Modified Microbes Failure: Human Factors Engineering Utility as a Measure of Success Failure Type 1: Mistakes and MiscalculationsFailure Type 2: Extraordinary Natural CircumstancesFailure Type 3: Critical PathFailure Type 4: NegligenceFailure Type 5: Lack of ImaginationBioterrorism: Bad BiotechnologyReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 7: Applied Microbial Ecology: BioremediationSystematic View of OxygenBiodegradation and BioremediationBiochemodynamics of Biodegradation Off-site TreatmentDigestionDiscussion Box: Biochemodynamic FilmsAerobic Biodegradation Trickling FilterActivated SludgeAeration PondsAnaerobic BiodegradationMultimedia-Multiphase BioremediationPhytoremediationBiomarkersBioengineering Considerations for Genetically Modified Organisms Discussion Box: Measuring Biodegradation Success Nitric Oxide as an Indicator of Degradation Humility in Biotechnological Modeling Developing an Indirect, Chemical Model of Microbial ActivityModel Comparison to Laboratory Study for Toluene DegradationReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 8: Biotechnological Implications: A Systems Approach Systematic View of Biotechnological Risks Applied Thermodynamics Predicting Environmental Implications Environmental Implications of Engineering Organisms Genetic Engineering Basics Conventional Breeding Approaches Modification of Organisms without Introducing Foreign DNAModification of Organisms by Introducing Foreign DNATransfected DNAVector-borne DNAEnvironmental Aspects of Cisgenic and Transgenic OrganismsForeign DNA in PlantsBiochemodynamic Flow of Modified Genetic MaterialReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 9: Environmental Risks of Biotechnologies: Economic Sector Perspectives Industrial Biotechnology Production of Enzymes The Organism Health and Safety Regulations Environmental Implications Medical Biotechnology Discussion Box: Patenting Life Bio-Uptake and Bioaccumulation Discussion Box: Hormonally Active Agents Determining Estrogenicity Environmental Fate of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds Treatment of EDCs in Drinking Water – UV applications Modeling the UV/H2O2 Process Environmental Implications Animal Biotechnology Agricultural BiotechnologyDiscussion Box: “King Corn or Frankencorn” Genetic Modification Gene FlowReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 10: Addressing Biotechnological Pollutants Cleaning Up Biotechnological OperationsIntervention at the Source of ContaminationIntervention at the Point of ReleaseIntervention during TransportIntervention to Control the ExposureIntervention at the Point of ResponseThermal Treatment of Biotechnological Wastes Calculating Destruction RemovalOther Thermal StrategiesNitrogen and Sulfur ProblemsReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 11: Analyzing the Environmental Implications of Biotechnologies Discussion Box: Biological Agent: StachybotrysLife Cycle as an Analytical Methodology Revisiting Failure and Blame Environmental Accountability Life Cycle ApplicationsUtility and the Benefit/Cost AnalysisPredicting Environmental Damage Analysis of Biotechnological Implications Checklist for Ethical Decision MakingReview QuestionsNotes and Commentary

Chapter 12: Managing Biotechnologies Bioengineering Perspectives Systematic Biotechnology and the Status Quo A Few Words about Environmental Ethics Biotechnology Decision Tools Accountability Value Informing Decisions Green Engineering and Biotechnology Green Engineering and Biotechnology Discussion Box: Probability and Biotechnology Risk Homeostasis and the Theory of Offsetting Behavior Artifacts Review Questions Notes and CommentaryGlossaryAppendix 1Appendix 2

Product details

About the author

DV

Daniel A. Vallero

Professor Daniel A. Vallero is a renowned environmental scientist and engineer with four decades of experience. He has advised U.S. government agencies on critical issues like PBTs, climate change, acid rain, and chemical risks. At Duke University, he led the Engineering Ethics program and taught courses on air pollution, sustainable design, and ethics. Vallero has served on the National Academy of Engineering’s Online Ethics Committee and the National Institute of Engineering Ethics. An expert in emerging technologies, he focuses on societal, ethical, and public health challenges related to nanotechnology and environmental biotechnology. His work also encompasses emergency response and homeland security, making him a leading voice in environmental risk and ethics.
Affiliations and expertise
Full Adjunct Professor, Pratt School of Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, USA

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