Handbook on Biodegradation and Biological Treatment of Hazardous Organic Compounds

The removal of chemical pollutants in biological treatment systems and during bioremediation activities is dependent on the capacity of microorganisms to degrade synthetic chemicals. This book presents, for more than 100 synthetic compounds, an overview of the biodegradation processes and pathways that yield detoxification and mineralisation. Results on the removal of synthetic pollutants in treatment systems are summarized. The book aims to help engineers to understand the potential and the possible limitations of biological treatment techniques for soil, groundwater, waste water and air. Features: summarizes the physico-chemical parameters important for biodegradation; reviews the behavior and biodegradation of synthetic compounds in the natural environment; presents an overview of the possibilities for aerobic and anaerobic degradation, and summarizes the microorganisms involved; identifies limitations and bottlenecks for degradation; reviews and evaluates the possibilities for removal in biological treatment processes; includes information on dozens of aliphatic, aromatic, chlorinated, and nitrogen-containing compounds; to be used by engineers for judging the feasibility and prospects of biological treatment in practical situations.