This book details three main topics: the screening and characterization of hydrocarbons from air, soil and water; technologies in the biodegradation of hydrocarbons; and the bioconversion of hydrocarbons for biofuel/chemicals, as well as recent developments in the remediation of hydrocarbons and their environmental benefits. The first section focuses on screening methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis of hydrocarbons from soil, air and water environments, speciation of hydrocarbons, and natural bioremediation strategies in such environments. The second section examines technologies for removing hydrocarbon contaminants from various environments, especially advanced technologies for the removal of hydrocarbons and in-situ and ex-situ remediation strategies and problems, as well as concrete case studies. The last section, covering the bioconversion of hydrocarbons for biofuel/chemicals, highlights the biochemicals and bioproducts developed from hydrocarbons, with a particular focus on biochemical and chemical technologies used to produce biopolymers, biofuel precursors and commodity chemicals from hydrocarbons.
Marine and Estuarine Environments.- Industrial Environments.- Urban Environments.- Natural Emissions.- In-situ remediation of hydrocarbons.- Ex-situ remediation of hydrocarbons.- Advanced remediation technologies.- Biopolymers from hydrocarbons.- Biofuels from hydrocarbons.- Biochemicals from hydrocarbons.- Techno-economics and LCA analysis.Prof. Kirsten Heimann is the director of the North Queensland Algal Identification/Culturing Facility at JCU, Townsville, Australia, where she leads a microalgal research team focusing on developing microalgae for carbon dioxide and waste water remediation whilst generating valuable co-products. Her research interests include methane remediation from underground coal mines.
Dr. Obuli Kartik is a senior post-doctoral researcl³’