Environmental Degradation: Causes and Remediation Strategies

Abstract

Today, environmental degradation is the utmost problem leading to the extinction of several living organisms on the earth. Environmental degradation can be seen in the form of lost living forms due to disturbances in the earth's ecosystem. The recent developments in human civilization are the major reason for the degradation of the environment and its quality. This edited book is the compliance of selected reports destined to provide information regarding causes, effects and mitigation strategies of environmental degradation.The compliance of this book is helpful for academicians, researchers, students, as well as other people seeking the relevant material in current trends of studies on the topic of environmental degradation. The book starts with an introductory chapter providing background information on the topic covering the necessity of the mitigation measures to be taken in order to ensure the conservation of our mother earth. The second chapter discussed the role of disasters leading to the degradation of environmental composition. The role of pesticides in the degradation of agricultural quality is discussed in the third chapter. Special attention is given to the degradation of river systems with reference to exhausting its resources. The book compliance includes many chapters focusing on environmental degradation by wastewater disposal practices. Certain mitigative measures are provided focusing on sustainable utilization of wastewater for agricultural and horticultural applications. The second half of the book includes sustainable utilization of various solid wastes such as spent mushroom compost, flower wastes, wood wastes, non-conventional plant residues, etc. which may cause deterioration of our environment. The last section of the book provides information regarding the impacts of environmental degradation on biodiversity as well as human economics including agriculture.Lastly, the editors are thankful to the contributors who submitted their precious findings and views related to the book theme and to make it succeeded. We hope that this book will help the readers in its best to provide them the relevant information.

Sources and routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in water systems in Africa: Are there any sustainable remedies?

“…Although, SARS-CoV-2 may be transmitted in water through human stool, it is still not so clear how long it can survive in groundwater albeit limited researches have suggested that it can survive for weeks in groundwater ( Gundy et al, 2009 ). In addition, waste such as surgical and nose masks, tissue papers, and personal protective equipment (PPE) discharged from hospitals without proper treatment into the water system can also lead to transmission of pathogens such as viruses ( Kumar et al, 2020 ). This suggests that improper solid waste management practices in Africa could be one of the routes of SARS-CoV-2 transmission.…”

Production and Optimization of Bio-Based Silica Nanoparticle from Teff Straw (Eragrostis tef) Using RSM-Based Modeling, Characterization Aspects, and Adsorption Efficacy of Methyl Orange Dye

“…Adsorption of wastewater using silicon oxide is a low-cost, innovative, efficient, and simple technique of removing contaminants from wastewater. Silicon oxide, derived from agricultural waste biomass, is one of the adsorbents utilized in a variety of sectors today [14]. It possesses a suitable pore size distribution, large specific surface area, and strong surface reactivity.…”

“…In comparison with other nanoparticles, the silicon oxide manufacturing technique is very inexpensive, and its regeneration is simple. In recent years, this has led to the development of novel low-cost and efficient adsorbent materials [14,15]. It has been discovered that silicon dioxide derived from different agricultural wastes has a great potential for pollution effluent removal.…”

Deteriorating impacts of emerging water pollutants on biological diversity

“…Chemical, physical, radioactive waste material, pathogens from industrial effluents, agricultural run-off, domestic sewage, construction activities, and mining activities causes contamination in freshwater and affect the freshwater biodiversity (Richardson et al, 2007). However, 70% to 80% of municipal wastewater is discharged untreated into freshwater bodies and also many industrial activities are known for its responsibility for dumping millions of tons of heavily pollutants such as solvents, heavy metals, toxic sludge every year but the pollution of water does not only affect the water bodies, they also adversely affecting the land, agriculture, aquatic life and human health to a greater manner (Vishwanath et al, 2017;Bassem, 2020;Kumar et al, 2020).…”