Unlike most books on the subject, which offer only formulaic solutions to particular problems, Biological Treatment of Hazardous Wastes provides professionals with a conceptual framework within which to develop effective treatments tailored to any hazardous waste scenario they may encounter.
A complete guide to the biological treatment of a wide variety of hazardous waste problems-- for engineers, scientists, and technical personnel
Written by an author team comprising twenty-five North American and European experts, the text delineates the complex factors involved in the design of successful in situ and ex situ biotreatment approaches. Offering a balanced presentation of basic principles and engineering practices, it progresses from basic microbiological, biochemical, hydrogeological, and engineering principles to the development of design methodologies and specific hazardous waste scenarios--many of them based on the numerous case studies found throughout the book. Topics covered in detail include:
* Reactors, including suspended growth, fixed-film, membrane biofilm, and bioslurry reactors
* Anaerobic and aerobic systems
* Hydrogeologic and microbial factors associated with in situ biodegradation
* Biofiltration of VOC vapors
* Composting
* Natural attenuation

This volume covers both the fundamental principles and practical applications of the biological treatment of hazardous wastes. Biotreatment techniques can be used to control and change environmental conditions (oxygen content, chemical composition, temperature, etc.), and to help transform these wastes into acceptable products in a cost-effective manner. The text includes information on hydrogreological, engineering and microbiological fundamentals.