Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have been shown to produce changes in the endocrine system of organisms that lead to increases in cancers and abnormalities in reproductive structure and function. Recent research has highlighted the existence of hormonally active compounds in sewage and industrial effluents and their potential for recycling back into the environment - including drinking water supplies- through point sources and non-point sources. Endocrine Disrupters in Wastewater and Sludge Treatment Processes presents the latest research on EDCs, covering the sources, fate, and transport of EDCs in sewage and industrial effluents, and sludge treatment and disposal options in light of effects on receiving environments. In addition, the authors review current legislation, future research needs, and potential management strategies for endocrine disrupters in the environment.

With its 104 chapters, this Encyclopedia of aquatic ecotoxicology reveals the diversity of issues, problems and challenges that have faced, and are facing today, receiving environments. It also indicates ways by which tools, strategies and future investigations can contribute to correct, minimize, solve and prevent water quality degradation. Structured homogeneously, the chapters convey salient information on historical background, features, characteristics, uses and/or applications of treated topics, often complemented by illustrations and case studies, as well as by conclusions and prospects. This work is most suitable for teaching purposes. Academics, for example, could literally deliver comprehensive lectures to students simply based on chapter outlines and contents. Meet the Authors of the Encyclopedia! Check out 'Meet the Authors' under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Right menu).

This book focuses on industrial wastes that either join the streams or other natural water bodies directly, or are emptied into the municipal sewers, and their characteristics vary widely depending on the source of production and the raw material used by the industry, even during pre-industrial, industrial period and prospect of wastewater treatment for water resource conservation. The treatment of industrial wastewater can be done in part or as a whole either by the biological or chemical processes. Advanced treatment methods like membrane separation, ultra-filtration techniques and adsorption are elaborated. It would emphasize and facilitate a greater understanding of all existing available research, i.e., theoretical, methodological, well-established and validated empirical work, associated with the environment and climate change aspects.

The book on Physico-Chemical Treatment of Wastewater and Resource Recovery provides an efficient and low-cost solution for remediation of wastewater. This book focuses on physico-chemical treatment via advanced oxidation process, adsorption, its management and recovery of valuable chemicals. It discusses treatment and recovery process for the range of pollutants including BTX, PCB, PCDDs, proteins, phenols, antibiotics, complex organic compounds and metals. The occurrence of persistent pollutants poses deleterious effects on human and environmental health. Simple solutions for recovery of valuable chemicals and water during physico-chemical treatment of wastewater are discussed extensively. This book provides necessary knowledge and experimental studies on emerging physico-chemical processes for reducing water pollution and resource recovery.

Endocrine Disruption and Human Health starts with an overview of what endocrine disruptors are, the issues surrounding them, and the source of these chemicals in the ecosystem. This is followed by an overview of the mechanisms of action and assay systems. The third section includes chapters written by specialists on different aspects of concern for the effects of endocrine disruption on human health. Finally, the authors consider the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and the pertinent regulation developed by the EU, the US FDA, as well as REACH and NGOs. The book has been written for researchers and research clinicians interested in learning about the actions of endocrine disruptors and current evidence justifying concerns for human health but is useful for those approaching the subject for the first time, graduate students, and advanced undergraduate students. - Provides readers with access to a range of information from the basic mechanisms and assays to cutting-edge research investigating concerns for human health - Presents a comprehensive, translational look at all aspects of endocrine disruption and its effects on human health - Offers guidance on the risk assessment of endocrine disruptors and current relevant regulatory considerations

Rapid industrialization is a serious concern in the context of a healthy environment. With the growth in the number of industries, the waste generated is also growing exponentially. The various chemical processes operating in the manufacturing industry generate a large number of by-products, which are largely harmful and toxic pollutants and are generally discharged into the natural water bodies. Once the pollutants enter the environment, they are taken up by different life forms, and because of bio-magnification, they affect the entire food chain and have severe adverse effects on all life forms, including on human health. Although, various physico-chemical and biological approaches are available for the removal of toxic pollutants, unfortunately these are often ineffective and traditional clean up practices are inefficient. Biological approaches utilizing microorganisms (bacterial/fungi/algae), green plants or their enzymes to degrade or detoxify environmental pollutants such as endocrine disruptors, toxic metals, pesticides, dyes, petroleum hydrocarbons and phenolic compounds, offer eco- friendly approaches. Such eco-friendly approaches are often more effective than traditional practices, and are safe for both industry workers as well as environment. This book provides a comprehensive overview of various toxic environmental pollutants from a variety natural and anthropogenic sources, their toxicological effects on the environment, humans, animals and plants as well as their biodegradation and bioremediation using emerging and eco-friendly approaches (e.g. Anammox technology, advanced oxidation processes, membrane bioreactors, membrane processes, GMOs), microbial degradation (e.g. bacteria, fungi, algae), phytoremediation, biotechnology and nanobiotechnology. Offering fundamental and advanced information on environmental problems, challenges and bioremediation approaches used for the remediation of contaminated sites, it is a valuable resource for students, scientists and researchers engaged in microbiology, biotechnology and environmental sciences.

Wastewater treatment plants usually generate millions of tons of sewage sludge every year. Sewage sludge results from the accumulation of solids from chemical coagulation, flocculation and sedimentation during wastewater treatment. Worldwide, sludge production is steadily increasing, driven by the increasing percentage of households connected to central treatment plants, the increasing tightening of pollution limits on the effluent discharged, as well as the availability of technologies capable of achieving higher efficiency of wastewater treatment. Sewage sludge contains undesirable hazardous substances such as trace elements, pesticides and endocrine disruptors, pathogens and other microbiological pollutants. Therefore, sludge has to be properly treated and disposed of to prevent environmental contamination and health risk. Sludge processing is intended to improve dewatering characteristics, eliminate disease-causing bacteria, reduce smell and decrease the quantity of organic solids. In this way, the end product can be treated further or disposed of with less handling problems and environmental consequences. This new important book gathers the latest research from around the globe on this issue.