Indu Sharma

By Indu Sharma

Environmental pollution has been rising in the past few decades due to increased anthropogenic activities. Bioremediation is an attractive and successful cleaning technique to remove toxic waste from polluted environment. Bioremediation is highly involved in degradation, eradication, immobilization, or detoxification diverse chemical wastes and physical hazardous materials from the surrounding through the all-inclusive and action of microorganisms. The main principle is degrading and converting pollutants to less toxic forms. Bioremediation can be carried out ex-situ and in-situ, depending on several factors, which include but not limited to cost, site characteristics, type, and concentration of pollutants. Hence, appropriate bioremediation technique is selected. Additionally, the major methodologies to develop bioremediation are biostimulation, bioaugmentation, bioventing, biopiles, and bioattenuation provided the environmental factors that decide the completion of bioremediation. Bioremediation is the most effective, economical, eco-friendly management tool to manage the polluted environment. All bioremediation techniques have its own advantage and disadvantage because it has its own specific applications.

Part of the book: Trace Metals in the Environment

By Indu Sharma, Neeraj Khare and Archana Rai

Carotenoids are a group of pigments that are widely distributed in the plant kingdom. They are important dietary components with potential health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and have been linked to the prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related degeneration. It provides a global perspective on the role of carotenoids in human nutrition and health, including their sources, bioavailability, metabolism, and physiological effects. Carotenoids are a group of compounds, including beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and others, that differ in their chemical structures and biological activities. They are found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and animal products, and their bioavailability is influenced by a variety of factors. It explains the challenges and opportunities for increasing carotenoid consumption through dietary interventions and supplementation. However, the efficacy of these interventions depends on a variety of factors, including cultural norms, food availability and consumer preferences. Overall, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of carotenoids and their role in human nutrition and health, highlighting the importance of these compounds for disease prevention and management. It also underscores the need for continued research to further understand the mechanisms by which carotenoids exert their health benefits, and to develop effective strategies for increasing their consumption in populations around the world.

Part of the book: Dietary Carotenoids