Waste production poses significant environmental challenges globally, stemming from orthodox practices in industrial, agricultural, and medical sectors. These practices generate vast amounts of hazardous waste, polluting water, air, and soil, and threatening human health and ecosystems. Improper disposal exacerbates environmental crises such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) emerge as promising alternatives to address these challenges, harnessing nature's restorative power and offering cost-effective, eco-friendly climate solutions.
This edited book explores advanced NbS concepts and their role in revolutionizing conventional waste treatment methods while minimizing negative impacts on health and the environment. It delves into NbS characteristics, aims, and applications for sustainable wastewater management, advocating for interdisciplinary research and integrated nature-based systems. Topics covered include dynamic modeling, omics data analysis, computational and bionanotechnological approaches, bio hybrid systems, biomass utilization, life cycle assessment, urban circularity challenges, bio-inspired materials, hydroponics/aquaponics, and ecological sustainability. Adopting these approaches promises to reduce process costs and enhance long-term sustainability. The book offers a comprehensive understanding of nature-based interventions for bioremediation, addressing theoretical and practical aspects alongside contemporary challenges.
It is a valuable reference for professionals, scientists, environmentalists, industrialists, researchers, environmental biotechnologists, students, and policymakers engaged in environmental research and strategy development. It provides insights into sustainable progress and future applications of nature-based approaches in mitigating environmental pollution, particularly industrial and municipal wastewater discharge.