Microbial and Biochar Technology for Waste Valorization (DEVELOPMENTS IN MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES: FROM DESIGN TO COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION)

Microbial and Biochar Technology for Waste Valorization delves into the innovative integration of microbial and biochar technologies, presenting a compelling case for their combined utilization in waste reuse to aid environmental sustainability. The book opens with a discussion of current and emerging environmental issues and the need for implementing integrated microbe-biochar processes. Initial chapters explore the fundamentals of biochar, its sources, synthesis routes, characterization methods, its impact on soil, environment, and water microbiomes, and approaches to biochar production.

The book then delves deeper into its role in environmental remediation, its suitability as a microbe carrier, and the combination of biochar and microbes for various applications, including microbial fuel cells, biofertilizer, biopesticide, and water treatment processes. Final sections highlight the use of machine learning and AI for predicting biochar characteristics, biochar's potential in promoting a circular economy and carbon neutrality, and future directions for biochar-microbe applications.

Dr. Maulin P. Shah is a distinguished environmental scientist, academician, and globally recognized expert in the fields of environmental biotechnology and sustainable
wastewater treatment. He has made significant contributions to advancing eco-friendly
technologies for pollution control, particularly through innovative biological treatment processes. Dr. Shah holds extensive academic and research experience, with a strong focus on
industrial wastewater treatment, bioremediation, and microalgae-based technologies. His work emphasizes the integration of sustainability principles with practical engineering solutions, helping industries reduce their environmental footprint.
Remarkably, Dr. Shah has edited over 300+ books covering a wide spectrum of cutting-edge domains, including industrial wastewater microbiology, bioremediation, biodegradation, algal biotechnology, biofuel, bioenergy, circular economy, metagenomics related to wastewater treatment, and enzyme engineering. This exceptional editorial contribution reflects his deep expertise and unparalleled commitment to advancing global knowledge in environmental science.
Over the years, he has also authored and contributed to numerous high-impact
research papers and scholarly books published by reputed international publishers. His
publications are widely cited and serve as essential references for researchers, academicians, and industry professionals worldwide.
He is actively associated as an Editorial Board Member in more than 30 high-reputed
international journals affiliated with leading organizations and publishers.
His extensive editorial involvement
highlights his leadership and recognition in the global scientific community.
Dr. Shah is widely recognized for his collaborative research with leading scientists
across the globe, promoting interdisciplinary solutions to complex environmental challenges.
His work effectively bridges the gap between fundamental research and real-world industrial
applications. In addition to his research excellence, he has been invited as a keynote speaker at numerous national and international conferences, where he shares valuable insights on sustainable development, wastewater management, and environmental innovation. He is also deeply committed to mentoring students and young researchers, fostering academic growth and inspiring future leaders in environmental science and engineering.
Beyond academia, Dr. Shah contributes to industry-oriented solutions and policy-
relevant research aimed at environmental protection, resource recovery, and sustainable
development. Through his relentless dedication and visionary approach, Dr. Maulin P. Shah
has established himself as a leading authority in environmental sustainability, committed to
building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.

Dr. Dibyajyoti Haldar is an Associate Professor in the Division of Biotechnology at Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), India. Prior to this he was Assistant Professor at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. Dr. Haldar completed his Post-Doc as an Institute Post-doctoral Fellow at Centre for the Environment of Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati. He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Biochemical Engineering from National Institute of Technology Agartala, India and M. Tech in Environmental Science and Technology from National Institute of Technology Durgapur, India. of Technology Durgapur (NITDGP), India. His research work includes conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, enzymatic hydrolysis and kinetics, biofuels, and formation of value-added products derived from agricultural wastes and processes intensification.

Dr. Haldar has published more than 50 research and review articles in various SCI-Indexed reputed international journals of high impact factors. Apart from that, Dr. Haldar is the co-author of 4 books published by Elsevier. Moreover, he has also contributed few book chapters published by international publishers.

In 2023, Dr. Haldar was enlisted on the World’s Top 2% Scientist list ranked by Stanford University, USA.

Priya Banerjee is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Environmental Studies, Centre for Distance and Online Education, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India. She completed her PhD from the Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India. She has published numerous journal articles, book chapters and edited 8 books. She has also participated in various national and international seminars and received awards for best presentations. Her current research interests include smart waste management, resource circularity and environmental sustainability. She has been teaching for the last ten years and is presently in research collaborations with several national and international institutes.