Fundamental Concepts for Environmental Processes

Living microorganisms consume organic material in wastes, and use its energy to sustain normal activities, to grow, and to reproduce. A biological process, either natural or artificial, involves biochemical reactions, nutrient balance, microbial population balance, and waste disposal. This chapter introduces biological concepts for environmental control processes. The specific topics covered include: cellular interactions, biochemistry, photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, respiration, microbiology, ecology, ecosystem, waste treatment, pollution indices, and biological interactions.