Meththika Vithanage – författare

Industrial and Municipal Sludge: Emerging Concerns and Scope for Resource Recovery begins with a characterization of the types of sludge and their sources and management strategies. This section is followed by specific chapters that cover Emerging contaminants in sludge (Endocrine disruptors, Pesticides and Pharmaceutical residues, including illicit drugs/controlled substances), Bioleaching of sludge [with an enriched sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community, Recovery of valuable metals (Bioleaching and use of sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community, and Biogas production by continuous thermal hydrolysis and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge. In addition, the book includes numerous tables and flow diagrams to help users further comprehend the subject matter.

Includes numerous tables and flow diagrams to assist in the comprehension of new and existing sludge treatments and resource recovery technologyCovers biogas production by continuous thermal hydrolysis and thermophilic anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludgePresents information on the recovery of valuable metals from sludge (bioleaching and the use of a sulfur-oxidizing bacterial community)Includes opportunities and challenges in the biorefinery-based valorization of pulp and paper sludge

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products Waste Management and Treatment Technology: Emerging Contaminants and Micro Pollutants provides the tools and techniques for identifying these contaminates and applying the most effective technology for their remediation, recovery and treatment. The consumption of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) has grown significantly over the last 35 years, thus increasing their potential risk to the environment. As PPCPs are very difficult to detect and remove using conventional wastewater treatment methods, this book provides solutions to a growing problem.

Includes sampling, analytical and characterization methods and technology for detecting PPCPs in the environment Provides advanced treatment and disposal technologies for the removal of PPCPs from wastewater, surface water, landfills and septic systems Examines the pathways of PPCPs into the environment

Electronic Waste Management and Treatment Technology applies the latest research for designing waste treatment and disposal strategies. Written for researchers who are exploring this emerging topic, the book begins with a short, but rigorous, discussion of electric waste management that outlines common hazardous materials. such as mercury, lead, silver and flame-retardants. The book also discusses the fate of metals contained in waste electrical and electronic equipment in municipal waste treatment. Materials and methods for the remediation, recycling and treatment of plastic waste collected from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) are also covered.

Finally, the book covers the depollution benchmarks for capacitors, batteries and printed circuit boards from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the recovery of waste printed circuit boards through pyrometallurgy.

Describes depollution benchmarks for capacitors, batteries and printed wiring boards from waste electronics Covers metals contained in waste electrical and electronic equipment in municipal waste Provides tactics for the recycling of mixed plastic waste from electrical and electronic equipment

Handbook of Electronic Waste Management: International Best Practices and Case Studies begin with a brief summary of the environmental challenges associated with the approaches used in international e-waste handling. The book's authors offer a detailed presentation of e-waste handling methods that also includes examples to further demonstrate how they work in the real world. This is followed by data that reveals the geographies of e-waste flows at global, national and subnational levels. Users will find this resource to be a detailed presentation of e-waste estimation methods that also addresses both the handling of e-waste and their hazardous effect on the surrounding environment.

Includes case studies to illustrate the implementation of innovative e-waste treatment technologies Provides methods for designing and managing e-waste management networks in accordance with regulations, fulfilment obligations and process efficiency Reference guide for adapting traditional waste management methods and handling practices to the handling and storage of electronic waste until disposal Provides e-waste handling solutions for both urban and rural perspectives

This is the time when legacy, pathogenic, and emerging contaminants must be talked about, understood, and dealt with together. While the geogenic contamination of the groundwater is a well-established phenomenon that is considered as legacy contaminants that risk people’s health globally, both pathogenic and emerging contaminants like various water-borne pathogens and pharmaceutical personal care products (PPCPs) are becoming imperative for their acute and chronic toxic effects. While contaminated groundwater consumption leads to skin pigmentation, hyperkeratosis, kidney damage, cardiovascular disease, and children’s overall development, poor sanitation-related pathogenic microorganisms cause a significant number of child and prenatal deaths. Simultaneously, antibiotic microbial resistance (AMR) is expected to kill 100 million people by 2050. However, there are rare texts that combine aspects of all these three under a single book cover.This book gives an understanding of the occurrence, fate, and transport of geogenic, microbial, and anthropogenic contaminants in the groundwater. It covers not only the scientific and technical aspects but also environmental, legal, and policy aspects for contaminant management in the environment under the paradigm shift of COVID-19. This book is intended to bring the focus on the natural contaminants—biotic or abiotic—in the post-COVID Anthropocene, which is illustrating a significant alteration of systems and the subsequent downstream impacts owing to globalization. This book has compiled global work on emergence, mass flow, partitioning, and activation of geogenic, emerging, and pathogenic contaminants in various spheres of environment with special emphasis on soil, sediment, and aquatic systems for enhancing the understanding on their migration and evolution for the welfare of mankind.

Nanotechnology applications for wastewater research have a significant impact in maintaining the long-term quality, availability, and viability of water supplies. Nanoclays in Water and Wastewater Treatment: Technical, Economic and Scale-up Aspects presents a detailed review of cutting-edge research on the use of these materials in water applications including treatment, remediation, sensing, and pollution prevention. Various nanoparticles and nanomaterials that could be used in water remediation (zeolites, carbon nanotubes, self-assembled monolayer on mesoporous supports, biopolymers, single-enzyme nanoparticles, zero-valent iron nanoparticles, bimetallic iron nanoparticles, and nanoscale semiconductor photocatalysts) are discussed. The book also covers waterborne infectious diseases as well as waterborne pathogens, microbes, and toxicity.The book will be a valuable reference resource for academic researchers and professional engineers who are working on the development of supported catalysts for wastewater treatment applications.

Nanoclays in Medical Therapy: Advances in Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications provides a comprehensive overview of the structure, properties, and preparation methods of nanoclays, as well as the latest advancements in their application in medical therapy. The book is organized into five sections, each thoroughly reviewing the application of nanoclays in emerging fields such as drug delivery and regenerative medicine, antimicrobial and combination therapies, medical imaging and diagnostics, and clinical transformation and manufacturing. Within these sections, the book provides an in-depth analysis of biocompatibility and safety assessment, optimization of drug delivery systems, combination therapies, regenerative medicine, antibacterial properties, clinical translation, and more.This is an essential resource for researchers, scientists, and professionals in the field who want to learn more about biocompatibility, safety, regulatory approval, and commercialization of nanoclays.Provides a comprehensive discussion on the structure, properties, and preparation methods of nanoclays, along with the latest advancements in biomedical applicationsReviews biocompatibility, safety, regulatory approval, and commercialization of nanoclays Discusses challenges and opportunities associated with integrating nanoclays into medical therapies

This book discusses in detail the facts and findings related to the X-Press Pearl container vessel accident that occurred in May 2021 off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship was carrying a large consignment of chemicals and diverse hazardous materials that caused a disastrous and vast environmental and social catastrophe in the region. Through many case studies, accumulated knowledge, and experiences, the authors discuss the accident response, risk mitigation, investigation, and damage assessment activities from the very onset of the accident. It helps researchers and regulators understand the facts of this unique marine chemical accident and to formulate necessary future regulations as well as to develop robust safety and sustainability management systems and safety cultures.Features:Written by authorities who led the team involved in accident response and damage assessmentFocuses on identifying plausible root causes, pitfalls in accident response, and weaknesses in current regulatory and management protocolsDelivers in-depth understanding of a unique marine chemical accident to help formulate necessary future policies and regulations related to such disastersIncludes many case studies related to the accident illustrated with photos and figures that are true evidence of the disaster, the response, and the mitigationExplains and discusses key research findings in a streamlined manner understandable for a wide audienceA valuable resource for readers in environmental management and policy creation, as well as for researchers, professionals, academics, and students involved in environmental science, chemical engineering, technical safety and sustainability management, maritime, polymer, and ocean sciences. Countries where maritime disasters are a concern will also find this book is an important guide for taking a responsible approach when handling similar situations in the future; not least to avert such events from occurring.

This book discusses in detail the facts and findings related to the X-Press Pearl container vessel accident that occurred in May 2021 off the coast of Colombo, Sri Lanka. The ship was carrying a large consignment of chemicals and diverse hazardous materials that caused a disastrous and vast environmental and social catastrophe in the region. Through many case studies, accumulated knowledge, and experiences, the authors discuss the accident response, risk mitigation, investigation, and damage assessment activities from the very onset of the accident. It helps researchers and regulators understand the facts of this unique marine chemical accident and to formulate necessary future regulations as well as to develop robust safety and sustainability management systems and safety cultures.Features:Written by authorities who led the team involved in accident response and damage assessmentFocuses on identifying plausible root causes, pitfalls in accident response, and weaknesses in current regulatory and management protocolsDelivers in-depth understanding of a unique marine chemical accident to help formulate necessary future policies and regulations related to such disastersIncludes many case studies related to the accident illustrated with photos and figures that are true evidence of the disaster, the response, and the mitigationExplains and discusses key research findings in a streamlined manner understandable for a wide audienceA valuable resource for readers in environmental management and policy creation, as well as for researchers, professionals, academics, and students involved in environmental science, chemical engineering, technical safety and sustainability management, maritime, polymer, and ocean sciences. Countries where maritime disasters are a concern will also find this book is an important guide for taking a responsible approach when handling similar situations in the future; not least to avert such events from occurring.

In the captivating book Biochar Amendments for Environmental Remediation, readers are invited to explore the critical role of biochar in fostering a cleaner environment through its eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable applications such as removal of diverse pollutants from water and wastewater.With 27 insightful chapters contributed by leading researchers worldwide, this book unravels the complexities of biochar production, its characteristics, and its multifaceted roles in environmental remediation. From pilot-scale production methods to removing heavy metals and micropollutants, this book comprehensively explores biochar’s potential for sustainable environmental protection. Discover the cutting-edge advancements in biochar technology and gain valuable knowledge on its pivotal role in mitigating environmental challenges. Join the global discourse on biochar’s diverse applications, risks, and the future of adsorption-based pollutant removal strategies.Biochar Amendments for Environmental Remediation is aimed at researchers, professionals in environmental engineering, and anyone passionate about environmental stewardship and seeking innovative solutions for a greener and healthier planet. Embark on a journey of discovery and empowerment as you explore the transformative potential of biochar in shaping a sustainable future.

The plastisphere provides a unique man-made habitat for organisms and microbial communities. Investigating the interactions and functions of these organisms helps us understand how fouling communities can settle on these novel platforms and be moved beyond their natural ranges as well as their contribution to nutrient cycling and biogeochemical processes. This book examines the plastisphere and reveals a secret world of microbes that have adapted to live on plastic surfaces. It explains the ecological effects of plastic pollution, human health concerns, microbial ecology, and mitigation techniques and advocates sustainable solutions. Readers will dive into this enthralling ecosystem rich with microscopic life and explore its mysteries in this thought-provoking book.Features:Presents recent insights into the fundamentals of the plastisphere, with a specific focus on environmental interactionsIntroduces the work of global experts and their ongoing studies, creative approaches, and new discoveriesHighlights the macro and molecular interactions of environmental domains with the plastisphereExplores the notion of bioinvasion that can threaten the health and productivity of our ecosystemsIncludes detailed multidisciplinary data on the behavior of plastic materials and environmental microbiomeExplains the main factors causing ecosystems to evolve and to live in human-made plastic environmentsHelps readers from various backgrounds to gain a thorough understanding of the topic of the plastisphereThis book is an insightful reference for researchers, academics, students, and professionals in Environmental Science, Microbiology, Environmental Engineering, Oceanography, and Material Science.

The Tank Cascade System (TCS) of Sri Lanka is a connected series of tanks organized within a micro-catchment of a dry zone landscape for storing, conveying, and utilizing water from a temporary stream. FAO and the UN internationally recognize it as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System for food security and sustainable development in a changing climate. This edited volume offers comprehensive and holistic coverage of the entire scope of cascade systems including their origins, governance, and integration with agriculture, biodiversity, cultural linkages, associated livelihoods, degradation causes, restoration efforts, gender perspectives, and disaster resilience.Features:Provides comprehensive coverage of the evolution of the Tank Cascade Systems over two millennia in Sri Lanka.Offers a holistic understanding of multifaceted dimensions of TCS from ecological importance to economic potential and offers a well-defined roadmap towards securing sustainable TCS.Addresses critical challenges of water quality, deterioration and prevalence of human health issues, human-wildlife conflicts, and land degradation.Discusses perspectives of restoring significant agricultural heritage systems around the globe for solving environmental and agricultural problems.Includes practical case studies with replicable models for integrated landscape management and livelihood enhancement.Outlines strategic approaches to sustainable management, encompassing ecosystem restoration, resilience against disasters, and gender-inclusive strategies.This book is for researchers, academics, graduate, and senior undergraduate students in agriculture, environmental science, ecology, and soil science, and those interested in water conservation and sustainability in tropical landscapes. It also serves as an insightful reference for industry and government professionals, and human rights activists.

One Health A balanced and multidisciplinary exploration of the One Health concept In One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad, a team of distinguished researchers introduces and explains the concept of One Health by providing an overview of the One Health idea from the perspective of diverse disciplines, from earth and environmental science to ecology and conservation to veterinary and human medicine. The authors also present case studies demonstrating the real-world challenges and opportunities of this interdisciplinary approach to sustainable human well-being. Readers will find insightful discussions of the interactions between chemical pollutants and water, soil, and the atmosphere, as well as detailed examinations of sustainable food supply, waste management, and pathogen control, backed up by extensive reference data. One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad also includes: The emergence and re-emergence of zoonoses and other infectious diseasesThe behavior of microplastics in soil and waterOrganic farming and its influence on soil healthThe role of light for human well-beingPerfect for researchers interested in global health, ecological health, medical geology, toxicology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases, One Health: Human, Animal, and Environment Triad will also benefit professionals with an interest in public health and other public services, resource conservation, waste management, and the circular economy.

Medical Geology The key to understanding the relationship between the geological environment and human health Medical geology deals with of the impact of environmental factors on the health of individual human beings and communities. In particular, it studies environmental exposure to both macro- and micronutrients in the geosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere—respectively, soil, water, and airborne dust—which may positively or negatively impact human growth, development, and overall health. The insights contributed by this burgeoning field can aid not only in individual medical cases, but also in assessing disproportionately impacted communities and addressing global medical inequality. Medical Geology: En route to One Health is among the first books to address this vital subject by summarizing recent research in this field. It also serves as an introduction to the multidisciplinary One Health methodology, which unites medical, geological, and environmental insights in one continuous approach to public health. Medical Geology readers will also find: An explanation of the influence of the environment on nutrient availabilityCase studies of well-documented links between endemic diseases and environmental conditionsA systematic analysis of the causes of essential element deficiencies in different world regionsMedical Geology is an essential overview of the field, for advanced students as well as medical, environmental, or geological researchers who wish to understand the complex relationship between the geological environment and human health.

Microplastics in the Ecosphere Discover the environmental impact of microplastics with this comprehensive resource Microplastics are the minute quantities of plastic that result from industrial processes, household release and the breakdown of larger plastic items. Widespread reliance on plastic goods and, particularly, single-use plastics, which has been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made microplastics ubiquitous; they can be found throughout the ecosphere, including in the bloodstreams of humans and other animals. As these plastics emerge as a potential threat to the environment and to public health, it has never been more critical to understand their distribution and environmental impact. Microplastics in the Ecosphere aims to cultivate that understanding with a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. It analyzes microplastic distribution in aerosphere, hydrosphere, and soil, tracing these plastics from their production on land to their distribution—overwhelmingly—in maritime ecosystems. The result is a book that will inform researchers and policymakers as we look to tackle this emerging challenge globally. Microplastics in the Ecosphere readers will also find: Introductory information about the production and distribution of single-use plasticsAn emphasis on management and mitigation strategies designed to reduce contamination over timeA multidisciplinary approach, combining concepts and analytical techniques from a range of scientific fieldsMicroplastics in the Ecosphere is a valuable guide for researchers and scientists, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, and policymakers looking to understand the impact of these widespread materials.

A multi-faceted analysis of how to preserve the long-term health of the world’s largest ecosystem In Coastal and Marine Pollution: Source to Sink, Mitigation and Management, a team of distinguished researchers delivers a comprehensive overview of the factors and stakeholders impacting — and impacted by — coastal and marine pollution. The book offers broad and up-to-date coverage of the topic, serving as a valuable reference for professionals and researchers working in the field. The authors integrate and compare the two main sources of marine and coastal pollution: chronic, long-term, low-level pollution as well as occasional, accidental, disaster-related pollution. They bridge the gap between theory and real-world action, offering best practices for monitoring and preventing pollution, as well as efficient governance and disaster management strategies. Readers will find: A thorough overview of the global state of coastal and marine pollutionComprehensive explorations of different types of pollution, including their sources, distribution, and impacts on the biophysical environmentPractical discussions of pollution monitoring methods, including ecotoxicological approaches and proven strategies for managing coastal and marine pollutionA critical assessment of policy and governance issues, including public awareness and disaster response strategiesPerfect for researchers and professionals in the fields of marine biology, ecology, and environmental protection, Coastal and Marine Pollution will also benefit professionals working in the shipping, fishing, deep-sea mining and drilling industries, as well as those affiliated with governmental and non-governmental organizations.

This book reviews the recent challenges and future perspectives involved in the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for COVID-19. The book aims to improve the monitoring of COVID-19 in wastewater by focusing on recent scientific studies in the surveillance and treatment of wastewater containing SARS-CoV-RNA, assessment of COVID-19 in the community and delivering a new scientific understanding of prevalence and re-emergence based on the WBE. It also provides a global perspective on effective detection methods for the analysis and interpretation of the RNA count of SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater and predicts the effects wastewater may have on the infection rate.Readers will find in this book case studies from France, India and Southeast Asian of non-invasive population-based monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 through sewage surveillance, and will learn more about the virus behaviour and transmission in different environmental settings. The significance of membrane technologies for virusremoval from water is also addressed in this book, as well as advanced techniques for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing SARS-CoV-2 in activated sludge and wastewater. The book provides a great interface to researchers such as microbiologists, environmental engineers, data scientists and civil engineers, emphasizing issues related to the current monitoring methodology. Furthermore, it also encourages researchers and policymakers by raising awareness of potential new methodologies for wastewater surveillance and accurate monitoring of COVID-19.

This book is considered a highly eco-friendly and sustainable means to improve soil quality and fertility by influencing the physico-chemical properties of the soil, increasing the mobility of essential elements, and improving the organic carbon content. Biochar has a high carbon content, and its application enhances the soil's capacity to retain nutrients, increases water-holding capacity, and decreases CH₄ emissions.This book presents to its readers a vivid account of the use of biochar in achieving sustainable agricultural goals. A wide array of topics will be covered, including:A general overview of biocharSustainable use of biochar in agriculture and animal husbandryWaste and wastewater treatmentBiochar as a sustainable engineering materialIn addition, the book provides a comprehensive account of the use of biochar in stress management and mitigation, soil fertility, and agriculture. It offers possible sustainable solutions for agriculture and environmental management, supported by recent information and up-to-date citations. We believe this book will be of immense importance to readers seeking novel ways to address sustainability issues in agriculture and environmental management.As we live in a complex environment with multiple interlinked factors playing a pronounced role in modulating our surroundings, biochar has shown its potential as an effective stress ameliorator in multiple niches and has made its mark on the circular bioeconomy. In our opinion, this edited volume will serve as a valuable reference material to summarize what has been achieved so far and where future emphasis is needed.

This book presents selected peer reviewed articles from the 2nd International Engineering Research Symposium- IERS 2024, held at Colombo in Sri Lanka, under the theme of 'Engineering Innovations for Economic Transformation”. It highlights the latest advancements in engineering research, innovations, and technological principles aimed at driving economic changes and improvements within society and the industry. IERS2024 covers the areas of Agricultural Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Manufacturing & Process Engineering, and other Engineering discipline relevant to the theme of IERS 2024.

Various topics covered in this book include overview of clay composites and their environmental applications, clay-biochar composites, clay-surfactants composites, organo-clay composites, clay hybrids and enriched clay composites.