Preface

Rapid population growth and increasing urbanization have posed a threat to natural resources. Soil, air and water are facing degradation in quality due to overexploitation and getting damaged at a higher rate due to an increase in pollution. Researchers and scientists worldwide are engaged in developing strategies and techniques that help us achieve a sustainable environment. Focus has been shifted to new techniques such as bioremediation, nanotechnology and biotechnology. Besides this development of alternate fuels, eco-friendly materials, or the use of non-conventional sources of energy has also been emphasized.

This book presents an overview of various methods and techniques that can be adapted to get a sustainable environment. It provides a detailed study about the role of biotechnology, nanotechnology and other techniques that help in achieving minimum degradation of environment and utilization of natural resources to achieve sustainability in terms of energy, food and water security. The author uncovers the various environmental problems caused by anthropogenic activities. The book suggests various ideas for getting solutions to various environmental problems, whether related to the monitoring of environmental pollutants, their removal from various sectors of the environment, or remediation via various techniques.

The book has been divided into three sections. The first section focuses on the use of biotechnological techniques in improving the quality of air, water and soil. The second section discusses the use of nanotechnology in achieving environmental sustainability. Various alternate sources of energy, fuels and other technologies that are eco-friendly and do not harm the environment have been elaborated on in section three of the book. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the key concepts of sustainability and ideas for students. The book is suitable for students having introductory interdisciplinary courses in the fields of environmental science, engineering, biotechnology sociology. The book is of use to researchers, faculty members, policyholders and planners who play a major role in encouraging the development of methods to ensure the long-term sustainability of the planet. The text includes material on environmental sustainability of water, food, and energy that are related to social and economic stability.