10. Environmental Remediation Technologies

The rapid increase in uncontrolled anthropogenic activities, human population, industrialization, and deforestation etc., has created a huge pressure on our environment and natural resources. These have caused environmental degradation (i.e., the deterioration of the various aspects of environment including soil, water, and air) through exploitation of natural resources involving both biotic and abiotic aspects. At present, the deterioration of the environment has touched almost every corner of the earth in one way or the other. The effect of such degradation can be seen on the air and water quality, health of plants, animals, human beings, etc. Therefore, we need to promote sustainable usage of our existing natural resources without further exploitation. In addition, alternative technologies (e.g., bioremediation, nanoremediation, thermal oxidation, phytoremediation, etc.) should be encouraged which will not only help in restoring the deteriorated resources but also avoid further damages to the ecosystems. In this chapter, we have discussed various aspects of pollution resulting to environmental degradation, and have highlighted the possible remediation technologies that can be used to minimize environmental degradation. Thus, the purpose of this chapter is to provide an overview of the ongoing remediation technologies along with their applicability, efficiency and, limitations that should be improved.