Download or read book A Guide to the Manufacture Performance and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture written by Michael Orzolek and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2017-03-16 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The use of plastics in agriculture – to increase crop output, improve food quality and improve sustainability – has grown substantially in both quantity and the range of applications. Many of the early researchers that conducted field research in the use of plastics in agriculture have either retired or are deceased. These early pioneers in plasticulture research, the basis of plant production using plastics, were very creative and persistent in discovering uses of plastics in agricultural applications. A Guide to the Manufacture, Performance, and Potential of Plastics in Agriculture contains both references not only to their accomplishments but also their publications. The book discusses plasticulture-the basis of plant production using plastics – including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels. It covers the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in plant and animal production agriculture, and the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production. This book introduces a range of academics and industrial practitioners to the impact of plastics in agriculture, both historically and in a range of current applications. It also provides new perspectives on future developments to enable further research and application. It is an invaluable reference on the use of polyethylene, polypropylene films, and such products in all aspects of agricultural production. - Discusses plasticulture, the basis of plant production using plastics, including topics such as plastic mulch, row covers, drip irrigation, and high/low tunnels - Contains 10 chapters that cover the process of producing polyethylene and polypropylene plastics that are used in agriculture - Covers the many uses of plastics in all aspects of agriculture, including plastic greenhouses, rigid mold plastics, disposal of plastics, and plastics in animal production

Download or read book Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments written by Nanthi S. Bolan and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2020-07-30 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The manufacture of plastic as well as its indiscriminate disposal and destruction by incineration pollutes atmospheric, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems. Synthetic plastics do not break down; they accumulate in the environment as macro-, micro-, and nanoplastics. These particulate plastics are a major source of pollutants in soil and marine ecosystems. Particulate Plastics in Terrestrial and Aquatic Environments provides a fundamental understanding of the sources of these plastics and the threats they pose to the environment. The book demonstrates the ecotoxicity of particulate plastics using case studies and offers management practices to mitigate particulate plastic contamination in the environment. Features · Describes physical and chemical properties of particulate plastics in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems · Presents information on characteristics of particulate plastics as impacted by weathering processes · Provides numerous approaches for managing particulate plastic contamination · Identifies sources of particulate plastics in the environment; distribution and characteristics of particulate plastics; and management strategies of particulate plastics Written by a global team of scientists, this book is for researchers in the fields of environmental safety and waste management or individuals interested in the impact of particulate plastics on environmental health.

Download or read book Plastics and the Environment written by Anthony L. Andrady and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2003-02-20 with total page 792 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plastics offer a variety of environmental benefits. However, their production, applications, and disposal present many environmental concerns. Plastics and the Environment provides state-of-the-art technical and research information on the complex relationship between the plastic and polymer industry and the environment, focusing on the sustainability, environmental impact, and cost—benefit tradeoffs associated with different technologies. Bringing together the field’s leading researchers, Anthony Andrady’s innovative collection not only covers how plastics affect the environment, but also how environmental factors affect plastics. The relative benefits of recycling, resource recovery, and energy recovery are also discussed in detail. The first of the book’s four sections represents a basic introduction to the key subject matter of plastics and the environment; the second explores several pertinent applications of plastics with environmental implications–packaging, paints and coatings, textiles, and agricultural film use. The third section discusses the behavior of plastics in some of the environments in which they are typically used, such as the outdoors, in biotic environments, or in fires. The final section consists of chapters on recycling and thermal treatment of plastics waste. Chapters include: Commodity Polymers Plastics in Transportation Biodegradation of Common Polymers Thermal Treatment of Polymer Waste Incineration of Plastics The contributors also focus on the effectiveness of recent technologies in mitigating environmental impacts, particularly those for managing plastics in the solid waste stream. Plastic and design engineers, polymer chemists, material scientists, and ecologists will find Plastics and the Environment to be a vital resource to this critical industry.

Download or read book Saving the Planet with Pesticides and Plastic written by Dennis T. Avery and published by . This book was released on 2000 with total page 504 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The second edition of Dennis Averys 1995 seminal work, Saving the Planet Through Pesticides and Plastics provides the flip side to environmentalist cries of spiraling cancer rates, rising global temperatures and decreasing rainforest acreage. Thoroughly updated and re-written with new information and data, Averys controversial book shows how agricultural technology can save the planet for both people and wildlife.

Download or read book Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management written by Francesco Colangelo and published by Woodhead Publishing. This book was released on 2021-12-01 with total page 730 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Handbook of Sustainable Concrete and Industrial Waste Management summarizes key research trends in recycling and reusing concrete and industrial waste to reduce their environmental impact. This volume also includes important contributions in collaboration with the CRI-TEST Innovation Lab, Naples – Acerra. Part one discusses eco-friendly innovative cement and concrete and reviews key substitute materials. Part two analyzes the use of industrial waste as aggregates and the mechanical properties of concrete containing waste materials. Part three discusses differences between innovative binders, focusing on alkali-activated and geopolymer concrete. Part four provides a thorough overview of the life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete containing industrial wastes and the impacts related to the logistics of wastes, the production of the concrete, and the management of industrial wastes. By providing research examples, case studies, and practical strategies, this book is a state-of-the-art reference for researchers working in construction materials, civil or structural engineering, and engineers working in the industry. - Offers a systematic and comprehensive source of information on the latest developments in sustainable concrete; - Analyzes different types of sustainable concrete and innovative binders from chemical, physical, and mechanical points of view; - Includes real case studies showing application of the LCA methodology.

Download or read book Bioremediation of Agricultural Soils written by Juan C. Sanchez-Hernandez and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2019-03-14 with total page 227 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The quality of agricultural soils are always under threat from chemical contaminants, which ultimately affect the productivity and safety of crops. Besides agrochemicals, a new generation of substances invades the soil through irrigation with reclaimed wastewater and pollutants of organic origin such as sewage sludge or cattle manure. Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, nanomaterials and microplastics are now present in agricultural soils, but the understanding of their impact on soil quality is still limited. With focus on in situ bioremediation, this book provides an exhaustive analysis of the current biological methodologies for recovering polluted agricultural soils as well as monitoring the effectiveness of bioremediation.

Download or read book Improving Markets for Recycled Plastics Trends Prospects and Policy Responses written by OECD and published by OECD Publishing. This book was released on 2018-05-24 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Plastics have become one of the most prolific materials on the planet: in 2015 we produced about 380 million tonnes of plastics globally, up from 2 million tonnes in the 1950s. Yet today only 15% of this plastic waste is collected and recycled into secondary plastics globally each year. This ...

Download or read book Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering written by Syed Ali Ashter and published by William Andrew. This book was released on 2016-03-29 with total page 302 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introduction to Bioplastics Engineering is a practical, user-friendly reference for plastics engineers working with biopolymers and biodegradable plastics that addresses topics that are required for the successful development of cohesive bioplastic products. While there has been considerable demand for the use of bioplastics in industry, processing these bioplastics is a big challenge. The book provides plastics engineers and researchers with a fundamental, practical understanding of the differences between bioplastics and biodegradable polymers, along with guidance on the different methods used to process bioplastics. The book also covers additives and modifiers for biopolymers and their effect on properties. Examples include commercial applications of bioplastics, current bioplastics being developed, and future trends in the industry. This enables engineers, researchers, technicians, and students to understand the decisive relationship between different processing techniques, morphology, mechanical properties, and the further applications of bio-based polymers. The book presents a true engineering approach for the industry on the processing of biopolymers and biodegradable plastics – discussing the ease of use of the polymer, mechanical and thermal properties, rate of biodegradation in particular environments, and pros and cons of particular bioplastics. - Enables engineers, researchers, technicians, and students to understand the decisive relationship between different processing techniques, morphology, mechanical properties, and the further applications of bio-based polymers. - Covers additives and modifiers for biopolymers and their effect on properties - Includes examples that illustrate the commercial applications of bioplastics, current bioplastics being developed, and future trends in the industry

Download or read book Polymers for Agri Food Applications written by Tomy J. Gutiérrez and published by Springer. This book was released on 2020-08-16 with total page 620 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book presents an exhaustive analysis of the trends in the development and use of natural and synthetic polymer systems aimed at sustainable agricultural production. The polymers have allowed the development of controlled and released systems of agrochemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers and phytohormones through micro and nanoencapsulated systems, which protect and stimulate the growth of crops at low costs and without damage to the environment. Hydrogel systems from natural and synthetic polymers have also had their place in the agricultural industry, since they allow to maintain the humidity conditions of the crops for their correct development in drought times. Mulch films made of polymers have also become important in the control of weeds and pests in crops, as well as the use of edible coatings applied to fruits and vegetables during post-harvest, which reduce the losses of these perishable foods. Currently, the systems indicated, as well as others, are already used on a large scale. However, research studies in this area have been limited compared to other polymer applications. This book collects useful information for researchers, students and technologies related to the polymer technology and agri-food production. In this book, world-renowned researchers have participated, including associate editors of important journals, as well as researchers working in the area of research and development (R&D) of leading agri-food industries in the manufacture of agricultural inputs.

Download or read book Soil Degradable Bioplastics for a Sustainable Modern Agriculture written by Mario Malinconico and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-02-14 with total page 192 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book shows how the use of biodegradable plastics in agriculture can have a profound positive impact on plasticulture. Starting with an organic chemistry approach to biodegradable and compostable plastics, both natural and synthetic, it then analyzes the technological and agronomic aspects of existing bioplastics for protected cultivation (mulching, direct cover, low tunnels). It describes the new sprayable biodegradable mulching method, which is based on the use of waterborne polysaccharides and cellulosic fibers. A further chapter describes the research and technology of biodegradable plastics for different agricultural practices. It also includes chapters on life cycle assessment (LCA) of biodegradable plastics for agriculture, and existing and developing standards in the field. It is a valuable resource for agronomists, chemical and materials engineers, polymer technologists and scientists, as well as for a more general readership interested in the application of green chemistry principles to the vast world of crop production. Mario Malinconico is Research Director at the Institute of Polymers, Composites and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Italy. /p

Download or read book Global Plastics Outlook Economic Drivers Environmental Impacts and Policy Options written by OECD and published by OECD Publishing. This book was released on 2022-02-22 with total page 201 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While plastics are extremely useful materials for modern society, plastics production and waste generation continue to increase with worsening environmental impacts despite international, national and local policy responses, as well as industry commitments. The first of two reports, this Outlook intends to inform and support policy efforts to combat plastic leakage.

Download or read book Engineered Nanomaterials and Phytonanotechnology Challenges for Plant Sustainability written by and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2019-11-20 with total page 344 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Engineered Nanomaterials and Phytonanotechnology: Challenges for Plant Sustainability, Volume 87 in the Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry series, highlights new advances in the field, with this new volume presenting interesting chapters on the Environmental application of nanomaterials: A promise to sustainable future, Plant-nanoparticle interactions: Mechanisms, effects, and approaches, A general overview on application of nanoparticles in agriculture and plant science, Engineered nanomaterials uptake, bioaccumulation and toxicity mechanisms in plants, Engineered nanomaterials in plants: Sensors, carriers, and bio-imaging, Antioxidant role of nanoparticles for enhancing ecological performance of plant system, Toxicity assessment of metal oxide nanoparticles on terrestrial plants, and much more. - Provides the authority and expertise of leading contributors from an international board of authors - Presents the latest release in the Comprehensive Analytical Chemistry series - Includes the latest information on the field of engineered nanomaterials in plants

Download or read book Microplastics in Terrestrial Environments written by Defu He and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-08-21 with total page 471 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book focuses on microplastics as emerging persistent contaminants in terrestrial environments. Scientists from around the globe review recent advances in multi-disciplinary research on micro(nano)plastics, including analytical methods; the sources, fate and distribution of microplastics; ecological risks; toxicity and health risks; and control and countermeasures for microplastics in terrestrial environments. Offering a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial environments, the book is a valuable resource for environmental researchers, ecologists and toxicologists, as well as for policymakers and non-experts.

Download or read book The Lean Farm Guide to Growing Vegetables written by Ben Hartman and published by Chelsea Green Publishing. This book was released on 2017 with total page 274 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: At Clay Bottom Farm, author Ben Hartman and staff practice kaizen, or continuous improvement, cutting out more waste--of time, labor, space, money, and more--every year and aligning their organic production more tightly with customer demand. Applied alongside other lean principles originally developed by the Japanese auto industry, the end result has been increased profits and less work. In this field-guide companion to his award-winning first book, The Lean Farm, Hartman shows market vegetable growers in even more detail how Clay Bottom Farm implements lean thinking in every area of their work, including using kanbans, or replacement signals, to maximize land use; germination chambers to reduce defect waste; and right-sized machinery to save money and labor and increase efficiency. From finding land and assessing infrastructure needs to selling perfect produce at the farmers market, The Lean Farm Guide to Growing Vegetables digs deeper into specific, tested methods for waste-free farming that not only help farmers become more successful but make the work more enjoyable. These methods include: Using Japanese paper pot transplanters Building your own germinating chambers Leaning up your greenhouse Making and applying simple composts Using lean techniques for pest and weed control Creating Heijunka, or load-leveling calendars for efficient planning Farming is not static, and improvement requires constant change. The Lean Farm Guide to Growing Vegetables offers strategies for farmers to stay flexible and profitable even in the face of changing weather and markets. Much more than a simple exercise in cost-cutting, lean farming is about growing better, not cheaper, food--the food your customers want.

Download or read book Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems written by Tamer Khatib and published by Academic Press. This book was released on 2020-10-29 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems: Concept, Design and Methods of Optimization looks at the potential of effectively designed PVPS and how they can be commercially efficient and economically competitive to grid connected or diesel generator (DG) based pumping systems. The low energy conversion efficiency of PV modules, nonlinearity of PV module/array I-V characteristics and the unique maximum power operation point are major challenges of this technology, this book provides readers with design and optimization methods, codes and critical analysis of the recent developments in PV pumping systems. Focusing on system feasibility and suitable applications with design procedures, this reference presents a critical analysis of PVPS field performance, modeling and control strategies using artificial intelligence techniques. A suitable text for researchers, engineers and graduate students who are working in the field of photovoltaics and pumping and systems. - Uses open source Matlab codes for PV pumping system optimization - Provides global cases studies and design examples for comparison - Includes a data source sheet for proposed systems for successful implementation methods

Download or read book Polymers in Agriculture and Horticulture written by Roger P. Brown and published by iSmithers Rapra Publishing. This book was released on 2004 with total page 108 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Polymers have been used in agriculture and horticulture since the middle of the last century. There is a tremendous potential for using polymers in agriculture and our fields and garden would look very different if we did not use polymers in them. This review traces the history of polymer use, discusses the markets for polymers in these applications, and describes in detail the different types of polymers that can be used and their specific applications. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Polymer Library gives useful references for further reading.

Download or read book Drawdown written by Paul Hawken and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2017-04-18 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: • New York Times bestseller • The 100 most substantive solutions to reverse global warming, based on meticulous research by leading scientists and policymakers around the world “At this point in time, the Drawdown book is exactly what is needed; a credible, conservative solution-by-solution narrative that we can do it. Reading it is an effective inoculation against the widespread perception of doom that humanity cannot and will not solve the climate crisis. Reported by-effects include increased determination and a sense of grounded hope.” —Per Espen Stoknes, Author, What We Think About When We Try Not To Think About Global Warming “There’s been no real way for ordinary people to get an understanding of what they can do and what impact it can have. There remains no single, comprehensive, reliable compendium of carbon-reduction solutions across sectors. At least until now. . . . The public is hungry for this kind of practical wisdom.” —David Roberts, Vox “This is the ideal environmental sciences textbook—only it is too interesting and inspiring to be called a textbook.” —Peter Kareiva, Director of the Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, UCLA In the face of widespread fear and apathy, an international coalition of researchers, professionals, and scientists have come together to offer a set of realistic and bold solutions to climate change. One hundred techniques and practices are described here—some are well known; some you may have never heard of. They range from clean energy to educating girls in lower-income countries to land use practices that pull carbon out of the air. The solutions exist, are economically viable, and communities throughout the world are currently enacting them with skill and determination. If deployed collectively on a global scale over the next thirty years, they represent a credible path forward, not just to slow the earth’s warming but to reach drawdown, that point in time when greenhouse gases in the atmosphere peak and begin to decline. These measures promise cascading benefits to human health, security, prosperity, and well-being—giving us every reason to see this planetary crisis as an opportunity to create a just and livable world.