Microbial Technologies for Sustainable Waste Management

Microbial Technologies for Sustainable Waste Management explores advanced waste management through microbial processes. The book investigates the current limitations of traditional waste treatment and the potential for microbial cell factories in bringing innovative solutions to this field. Beginning with an introduction to the role of microbes in waste management, it examines global case studies demonstrating success stories in microbial waste treatment and microbial innovations for biotechnological applications in waste conversion. Concluding chapters focus on microbial pathways for anaerobic digestion, hydrolysis, and fermentation, and microbial technologies for industrial applications such as wastewater treatment and the biofuel industry.

Additionally, the book considers microbial remediation of hazardous and toxic waste, microbial fuel cells, and strategies for plastic waste degradation. Emerging technologies, such as AI integration, microbial nanotechnology, and engineered microbes are discussed, along with their environmental impacts and potential for scaling up to commercial applications.

Dr. Rajneesh Kumar is a dedicated researcher who focuses on wastewater treatment, where he has made significant contributions, including the utilization of plant waste as biosorbents to remove chromium from water. His Ph.D. research focused on behavior of aerobic sludge in wastewater treatment plants exposed to various undesired pollutants. Previously, Dr. Kumar held positions as a Research Associate III at IIT Indore, where he conducted research on water resource management. Dr. Kumar has authored 13 research articles, including book chapters and conference papers, showcasing his expertise in environmental microbiology and biotechnology. His work has been presented at international conferences, highlighting his commitment to advancing sustainable water management practices and environmental engineering.

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 such as
International Water Association, American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry,
Elsevier, Springer, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, IOP Publishing, Apple Academic Press,
Scrivener Publishing, and Bentham Science 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.