Clean Technology and the Environment

Many environmental problems resulting from atmospheric, land and water pollution are now widely understood. The combination of both improved technology and legislative pressure has led to a reduction in pollution from industrial practices in the West in recent years. However, sustainable development is dependent upon a new approach to environmental protection - clean technology. This book is in two parts. The first explores the ecological principles governing the function of ecosystems, sustain ability and biodiversity (Chapter 1) and the problems resulting from atmospheric pollution (Chapter 2), water pollution (Chapter 3) and land pollution (Chapter 4). For example, there is increasing international concern that the combustion of fossil fuels is leading to an increase in the levels of carbon, sulphur and nitrogen gases which pollute the atmosphere of our planet. The enhanced levels of carbon gases such as carbon dioxide may cause change in our global climate and, in tum, lead to flooding and loss of low-lying coastal regions. In addition, the deposition of sulphur and nitrogen oxides is believed to be the cause of 'acid rain' which has led to loss of fish stocks from upland lochs and damage to forestry plantations. Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Environment and human influence....Pages 1-31 Atmospheric pollution: components, mechanisms, control and remediation....Pages 32-86 Water pollution....Pages 87-119 Bioremediation: A practical solution to land pollution....Pages 120-146 The economics of pollution....Pages 147-173 Introduction to clean technology....Pages 174-198 Agricultural and pharmaceutical chemicals....Pages 199-235 Plastics....Pages 236-253 Clean technology in the food industry....Pages 254-276 Clean synthesis....Pages 277-314 Clean energy supply and use....Pages 315-341 Back Matter....Pages 342-350 This important book describes the concept of `clean technology' as an approach for protecting the environment by preventing the pollution at source, minimising waste and reducing energy use. General chapters on the economics, and research and management implications of a `clean technology' approach are followed by detailed coverage of specific industries. Coverage is also included of various types of pollution in different environments