Provides a detailed overview of the biochemistry of the C3 photosynthesis cycle in cropsReviews recent research on manipulating the structure and composition of key barriers which impose a threat to mesophyll conductance and photosynthesisConsiders the importance of mesophyll conductance in achieving optimal photosynthesis in crops

Provides a comprehensive review of the wealth of research which addresses how to sustainably achieve higher yields through improving the rate of C₃ photosynthesis in cropsAssesses current practices implemented to optimise photosynthesis in crops, including the modification of crop elements such as leaf/canopy architectureExplores our understanding of the biophysics, biochemistry and genetics of C₃ photosynthesis in crops and how this can be used to improve photosy...

This comprehensive book details the most recent advances in the microalgae biological sciences and engineering technologies for biomass and biofuel production in order to meet the ongoing need for new and affordable sources of food, chemicals and energy for future generations. The chapters explore new microalgae cultivation techniques, including solid (biofilm) systems, and heterotrophic production methods, while also critically investigating topics such as combining wastewater as a source...

Written by leading experts in the field, Cyanobacteria: An Economic Perspective is a comprehensive edited volume covering all areas of an important field and its application to energy, medicine and agriculture.Issues related to environment, food and energy have presented serious challenge to the stability of nation-states. Increasing global population, dwindling agriculture and industrial production, and inequitable distribution of resources and technologies have further a...

This book provides in-depth information on basic and applied aspects of biohydrogen production. It begins with an introduction to the topic, and follows with the basic scientific aspects of biohydrogen production, such as the enzyme involved in biohydrogen production, the microorganisms and metabolic engineering information. It then provides state-of-art information on various aspects of biohydrogen production methods such as from solid wastes, from industrial effluents, thermo-chemical ro...

All organisms require nitrogen to live and grow. The movement of nitrogen between the atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere in different forms is described by the nitrogen cycle. This book is an activity of the COST 856 Action on Denitrification. It covers all aspects of the N-cycle: chemistry, biology (enzymology, molecular biology), physics, applied aspects (greenhouse effect, N-pollution problems, practices in farming, in waste-water treatment, and more). In this book, leading editors of...

There are currently intense efforts devoted to understand plant respiration (from genes toecosystems) and its regulatory mechanisms; this is because respiratory CO2 productionrepresents a substantial carbon loss in crops and in natural ecosystems. Thus, in addition tomanipulating photosynthesis to increase plant biomass production, minimization ofrespiratory loss should be considered in plant science and engineering. However, respiratorymetabolic pathways are at the heart of energy and car...

The turn of the millennium from the twentieth to the twenty-first century provides an occasion to review our understanding of a biological process, biological nitrogen fixation, that is of prime importance for the continued survival of mankind. This process has provided a basis for maintaining soil fertility since the beginning of organised agriculture, yet its very existence was confirmed only just over a century ago. In the intervening years, an enormous intellectual effort has dispersed...

Hydrogen could be the fuel of the future. Some microorganisms can produce hydrogen upon illumination. Biological methods of production could be greener than chemical or physical production methods, but the potential of biological methods is still being harnessed.This comprehensive book highlights the key steps necessary for future exploitation of solar-light-driven hydrogen production by microalgae. The highly regarded editors bring together 46 contributors from key institutions in ...

Based on the “International Symposium of Molecular Environmental Soil Science at the Interfaces in the Earth’s Critical Zone,” this book focuses on the Critical Zone supporting life at the Earth’s surface with emphasis on the new and emerging subject area of molecular environmental soil science. Advances in research methodology, the use of synchrotron radiation in particular, are extensively reviewed. Roles of microbes, biomolecules, and environmental nanoparticles in mineral transformatio...

Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology attempts to provide concise, critical reviews of timely advances, philosophy and significant areas of accomplished or needed endeavor in the total field of xenobiotics, in any segment of the environment, as well as toxicological implications.

With one volume each year, this series keeps scientists and advanced students informed of the latest developments and results in all areas of the plant sciences.