Microbial Applications for Environmental Sustainability

This book focuses on the various applications of microorganisms for sustainable environment and the reduction of hazardous pollutants released in various forms, including xenobiotics, e-waste, pesticides, insecticides, plastic, heavy metals, paper waste, medical waste, textile dyes, and their impact on environmental and human health. The book involves a series of research reports that explain the application of microbes used to solve real-life issues raised due to changes happening in environment, including pollution, by covering applications, including the use of bacteria, fungi, microalgae and biofilm in the detection and degradation of crude oil, pesticides, dyes, e-waste, heavy metals and other pollutants. It also focuses on integrative strategies in the application of microbial nanomaterials for remediation of pollutant. This material will help environmental scientists and microbiologists to learn about existing environmental problems and suggest novel ways to control or contain their effects by employing various treatment approaches.

Prof. Arun Karnwal is an accomplished Professor of Microbiology at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, India, with a wealth of experience spanning over 19 years in academia and research. He is a highly qualified academic, having received his B.Sc. (Hons.) in Industrial Microbiology, M.Sc. in Microbiology, and Ph.D. in Microbiology from Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, Uttarakhand, India. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters and edited books from prestigious publishers. His research interests lie in diverse areas of microbiology, including abiotic stress responses in plants, biopolymer production and application, and microbial application in dietary products. He actively engages in research projects in these areas and has contributed significantly to advancing knowledge. Prof. Karnwal received the Research Appreciation Awards from Lovely Professional University in 2019, 2020, and 2021 for outstanding research performance. He holds positions on the Editorial Boards of several esteemed journals that are listed on Scopus/WOS. Furthermore, he has been serving as the president of LPU-Association of Microbiologist of India UNIT since its establishment at Lovely Professional University. Additionally, he is a participating member of several scientific societies, including the Association of Microbiologists of India, the Hong Kong Chemical, Biological & Environmental Engineering Society, the International Association for Agricultural Sustainability, and the Indian Science Congress. His contributions to microbiology research, particularly in agricultural and environmental sustainability, have been widely recognized and appreciated. Prof. Karnwal’s work has significant implications for industry, agriculture, and the environment, as he seeks to bridge the gap between research and practical applications. His contributions have enhanced our understanding of the role of microbiology in addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and food security, and he continues to inspire young researchers to pursue careers in microbiology.

Abdel Rahman Mohammad Al-Tawaha, PhD, is Full Professor of Plant Science and former Head of the Department of Biological Sciences as well as former Director of the Planning, Information and Quality Unit at Al Hussein Bin Talal University, Jordan. He is author/coauthor of more than 300 publications in plant science in leading peer-reviewed journals and chapters in edited volumes and books on a broad range of development issues. He is also participated in many international conferences as chair or member of the scientific committees. Dr. Al-Tawaha obtained his PhD from McGill University, Montreal, Canada.