Book excerpt: Publisher's Note: Products purchased from Third Party sellers are not guaranteed by the publisher for quality, authenticity, or access to any online entitlements included with the product. The classic environmental biotechnology textbook—fully updated for the latest advances This thoroughly revised educational resource presents the biological principles that underlie modern microbiological treatment technologies. Written by two of the field’s foremost researchers, Environmental Biotechnology: Principles and Applications, Second Edition, clearly explains the new technologies that have evolved over the past 20 years, including direct anaerobic treatments, membrane-based processes, and granular processes. The first half of the book focuses on theory and tools; the second half offers practical applications that are clearly illustrated through real-world examples. Coverage includes: • Moving toward sustainability • Basics of microbiology • Biochemistry, metabolism, genetics, and information flow • Microbial ecology • Stoichiometry and energetics • Microbial kinetics and products • Biofilm kinetics • Reactor characteristics and kinetics • Methanogenesis • Aerobic suspended-growth processes • Aerobic biofilm processes • Nitrogen transformation and recovery • Phosphorus removal and recovery • Biological treatment of drinking water