商品簡介
"Preface Over the decades, much of the literature has focused on the biology and ecological aspects of algae found in freshwater, marine, and brackish environments. These organisms are also known to inhabit various other environments on Earth. More recently, there has been a substantial shift toward the concept of sustainable development and the "green economy" with emphasis on exploiting biological systems for the benefit of mankind. This underpins the fundamentals of the field of biotechnology, which has revolutionized various fields including agriculture, food, pharmaceutical and medical sciences, environmental sciences, and industrial feedstock, thus positively impacting most spheres of human endeavor. Algae--but more specifically, microalgae--have been associated with problematic events such as algal blooms caused by eutrophication of aquatic environments and in some cases the toxins produced have serious health impacts on the aquatic environment, plants, animals, and humans. However, these events are largely due to human activities resulting in the proliferation of nutrients in aquatic environments. The significance of algae cannot be underestimated as they contribute to approximately 40% of the oxygen in the atmosphere, are the original source of fossil fuels, and are the primary producers in the oceans. Therefore, there is potential for exploitation of this invaluable biomass source that could lead to definite environmental and economic benefits for man"--
作者簡介
Professor Faizal Bux serves as director at the Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology at the Durban University of Technology. He has 17 years of experience in the fields of water and wastewater treatment, bioremediation and biotransformation of industrial effluents for the production of valuable by-products, and biotechnological applications of microalgae including biodiesel. Professor Bux serves on the Management Committee of the International Water Association (IWA) specialist group, Microbial Ecology and Water Engineering. He also serves as a scientific advisor for various NGOs, both in South Africa and internationally, especially with regard to water quality issues.
