Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy ProductionOpen Access
An accessible ePub edition is available here
With 80% of wastewater globally discharged untreated and non-renewable energy resources rapidly depleting, the call for sustainable solutions has never been louder.
Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production explores the groundbreaking integration of natural systems and advanced technologies to address critical global challenges in wastewater management and renewable energy. This book delves into nature-based technological approaches such as constructed wetlands, bio-aided filtration systems, and photobioreactors for microalgae cultivation, showcasing their potential to transform wastewater into a valuable resource while significantly reducing the environmental footprint.
Rooted in innovative research, the book emphasizes advanced techniques for nutrient recovery, pollutant removal, and carbon capture. It examines the role of emerging technologies, such as high-rate algal ponds and hybrid treatment systems, in achieving cost-effective and energy-efficient wastewater treatment. Highlighting the science behind microalgae-based biodiesel production, the book also explores the potential of algae-derived bioproducts such as biofertilizers, bioplastics, and animal feed supplements, underscoring the role of these innovations in building a sustainable bioeconomy.
Rich in real-world applications, this reference work provides practical insights for academia, researchers, students, industry professionals, scholars, practitioners, and policymakers. It addresses critical issues such as wastewater management, rising energy demands, and carbon footprint while demonstrating scalable solutions for global implementation.
Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production envisions a future where nature-inspired technologies lead to a thriving circular bioeconomy. By combining natural processes with advanced technologies, this book lays the roadmap for transforming environmental challenges into sustainable opportunities and fostering cleaner and more resilient planetary health.
ISBN: 9781789064094 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781789064100 (eBook)
ISBN: 9781789064117 (ePub)
Chapter 3: A comprehensive review of wetlands in India and their conservation Open Access
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Published:February 2025
L. K. Bhardwaj, P. Rath, H. Jain, M. Choudhury, 2025. "A comprehensive review of wetlands in India and their conservation", Nature-Based Technologies for Wastewater Treatment and Bioenergy Production, Imran Ahmad, Norhayati Abdullah
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Abstract
Wetlands are highly valuable and productive environments for various organisms. This distinctive ecosystem sustains many habitats and biodiversity. In recent decades, they have faced significant endangerment because of urbanization or human intervention. The condition of wetlands in India is marked by a substantial decrease in both size and quality, with about half of the total wetlands having disappeared and the remaining ones degrading. Over time, wetlands have been transformed for many purposes due to urban development, industrialization, climate change, and intensified agriculture. The water quality in numerous wetlands has significantly deteriorated due to the presence of untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and agricultural runoff. This degradation has resulted in the loss of aquatic life, posed health hazards to nearby residents, and impacted pisciculture, and rice farming. In India, conservation efforts are being undertaken to tackle these difficulties by utilizing a combination of legal frameworks, legislative measures, and community engagement. Since the Ramsar Convention in 1971, numerous international initiatives have been endorsed to safeguard wetlands. Some wetlands near the endangered area have conservation management plans, whereas others do not. The wetlands in India cover around 58.2 million hectares of land and serve as important reservoirs of aquatic life. Research communities are prioritizing the preservation of these environments. This chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of the present condition of wetlands in India and highlights the imperative for their preservation. It emphasizes the primary obstacles encountered, and the endeavors being undertaken for its safeguarding and revival.