Includes Bibliography and index

Environmental microbiology and biotechnology are crucial in the modern society. They influence human health, environment and serve as a source of energy and provider of novel bioproducts. The key areas of interest are bioremediation, microbial communities, pathogen detection, wastewater treatment, energy generation, bioprocesses, and natural product discovery. Environmental microbiology must interact with hydrology, biogeochemistry, limnology, oceanography and numerical modeling. Environmental biotechnology is a stream in science which deals with microorganisms for environmental improvements. Wastewater treatment is the process of converting wastewater – water that is no longer needed or is no longer suitable for use – into bilge water that can be discharged back into the environment. It’s formed by a number of activities including bathing, washing, using the toilet, and rainwater runoff. Wastewater is full of contaminants including bacteria, chemicals and other toxins. Its treatment aims at reducing the contaminants to acceptable levels to make the water safe for discharge back into the environment. This book provides general information in the area of Environmental Science, Microbiology and Biotechnology. Keeping in view the recent advances in these disciplines, this book aims to focus on the application of Microbiology and Biotechnology in tackling the environmental issues.