Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization

The first edition of the Handbook of Material Biodegradation, Biodeterioration, and Biostabilization informs about protection of materials and products against colonisation and subsequent degradation of their properties. The book contains in total nine chapters.

The first chapter chronologically describes developments in the field, presents classification of biocidal products, and defines the essential terms frequently used in the book. Microorganisms involved in biodegradation of materials are discussed in the second chapter. Information on 13 groups of bacteria seven groups of fungi, and four groups of protozoa are presented.

The third chapter is devoted to mechanisms of biostabilisation and industrial biocides. The fourth chapter contains information on biodegradation, biodeterioration and biostabilisation of industrial products, including 24 groups of polymers. The fifth chapter describes frequently used analytical methods.

The sixth chapter contains evaluation of health and safety aspects of biocide application, and the seventh chapter informs about the environmental fate of biostabilisers, including their concentrations, toxicity, and the rates of decay. The eighth chapter presents legislation and regulations developed in the European Union, the USA, and worldwide.

The last chapter describes the protection of workers who use biocides in their work. As a source of up-to-date information on the subject, the book is highly recommended for anyone working in the field.