This dissertation provides a fundamental investigation into the macromolecular mobility of "dry" and "solvent-containing" soil and sediment organic matter (SOM). It emphasizes an improved understanding of macromolecular mobility at the molecular level in an effort to link macroscopically observed glass transition behaviors to molecular structures of SOM. This work provides a foundation for extended experimental lab- and field-scale studies focusing on identifying characteristics of SOM macromolecular structure most responsible for influencing the fate and transport of contaminants in aquatic and terrestrial environments.

Bioavailability refers to the extent to which humans and ecological receptors are exposed to contaminants in soil or sediment. The concept of bioavailability has recently piqued the interest of the hazardous waste industry as an important consideration in deciding how much waste to clean up. The rationale is that if contaminants in soil and sediment are not bioavailable, then more contaminant mass can be left in place without creating additional risk. A new NRC report notes that the potential for the consideration of bioavailability to influence decision-making is greatest where certain chemical, environmental, and regulatory factors align. The current use of bioavailability in risk assessment and hazardous waste cleanup regulations is demystified, and acceptable tools and models for bioavailability assessment are discussed and ranked according to seven criteria. Finally, the intimate link between bioavailability and bioremediation is explored. The report concludes with suggestions for moving bioavailability forward in the regulatory arena for both soil and sediment cleanup.

"Biochar is the carbon-rich product when biomass (such as wood, manure, or crop residues) is heated in a closed container with little or no available air. It can be used to improve agriculture and the environment in several ways, and its stability in soil and superior nutrient-retention properties make it an ideal soil amendment to increase crop yields. In addition to this, biochar sequestration, in combination with sustainable biomass production, can be carbon-negative and therefore used to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, with major implications for mitigation of climate change. Biochar production can also be combined with bioenergy production through the use of the gases that are given off in the pyrolysis process.This book is the first to synthesize the expanding research literature on this topic. The book's interdisciplinary approach, which covers engineering, environmental sciences, agricultural sciences, economics and policy, is a vital tool at this stage of biochar technology development. This comprehensive overview of current knowledge will be of interest to advanced students, researchers and professionals in a wide range of disciplines"--Provided by publisher.

Channels of nanotubular dimensions exist in a variety of materials (examples are carbon nanotubes and the nanotubular channels of zeolites and zeotypes) and show promise for numerous applications due to their unique properties. One of their most important properties is their capacity to adsorb molecules and these may exist in a variety of phases. "Adsorption and Phase Behaviour in Nanochannels and Nanotubes" provides an excellent review of recent and current work on adsorption on nanometerials. It is an impressive collection of papers dealing with the adsorption and phase behaviour in nanoporous materials from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. "Adsorption and Phase Behaviour in Nanochannels and Nanotubes" focuses on carbon nanotubes as well as zeolites and related materials.

"Molecular Sieves - Science and Technology" covers, in a comprehensive manner, the science and technology of zeolites and all related microporous and mesoporous materials. The contributions are grouped together topically in such a way that each volume deals with a specific sub-field. Volume 7 treats fundamentals and analyses of adsorption and diffusion in zeolites including single-file diffusion. Various methods of measuring adsorption and diffusion are described and discussed.