Marine Organisms: A Solution to Environmental Pollution?

Marine environments represent an underexplored source for numerous biotechnological applications. Of particular interest are organisms that can provide various valuable molecules and are potential candidates for bioremediation strategies. Fungi, algae, bacteria, yeasts, and sponges are some unique resources in marine ecosystems. But these must be preserved and protected from irreversible damage. Sustainable exploitation through farming systems is the alternative to prevent pressure on harvesting wild marine organisms.

Written by an international team of experts, this book provides a broad overview of the possible approaches and technologies that can be applied in bioremediation processes and the possibilities to add value to the biomass produced. It provides a comprehensive state-of-the-art of current research and practice in bioremediation technology and bio-based materials. New processing technologies, and recent technical advances in molecular biology such asgene mining, omics techniques, and metabolic engineering are highlighted. The exciting possibilities that artificial intelligence can bring to the future of the biotechnology industry are also approached.

The multidisciplinary nature of this book makes it of interest to a wide range of readers, including researchers, students, consulting professionals, engineers, governmental entities, and institutions working in environmental biotechnology, pollution control and prevention, and chemical processes.

Auteur

Telma Encarnação is a researcher in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Environmental Pollution at the Coimbra Chemistry Centre (CQC)/Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS), University of Coimbra, and at the Centre for rapid and sustainable product development (CDRSP-PLeiria). Holds a PhD degree and a Master's degree in Chemistry, and a First Degree in Industrial Chemistry. Her research focuses on bioremediation and the sustainable transformation of emerging pollutants for producing bio-based products. She has several publications, which include scientific articles, book chapters, and patents. She was also the founder of an optical services company and is the founder and CEO of a science-based company. Participated as a Researcher in several projects and is the Project Coordinator for National Projects. She is a regular member of the international panel on chemical pollution (IPCP) and has also been an expert evaluator for European Commission Research Programmes.

Alberto Canelas Pais is Full Professor at the University of Coimbra and Director of the Department of Chemistry. He is also Head of the Macromolecules, Colloids and Photochemistry research group of the Coimbra Chemistry Centre, one of the largest groups of this research center. Possesses expertise in Physical Chemistry, Polymer Science, Polyelectrolytes and DNA technology, Modeling, Simulation, and Data Science. The main contributions are included in ca. 200 scientific articles, 1 edited book, and 15 book chapters. He also supervised 11 completed PhD Thesis and many MSc theses. Participated as Principal Investigator/co-Principal Investigator/PhD Researcher in several projects.