This text covers in detail bacteria and yeasts, including an overall perspective of microbial aggregation as fundamental form and function, which is presented here to include systems still to be treated in detail.

For this third volume of the series Soil Biology, internationally renowned scientists shed light on the significant roles of microbes in soil. Key topics covered include: bioerosion, humification, mineralization and soil aggregation; Interactions in the mycorrhizosphere; microbes and plant nutrient cycling; Microbes in soil surface or toxic metal polluted soils; Use of marker genes and isotopes in soil microbiology, and many more.

This text covers in detail bacteria and yeasts, including an overall perspective of microbial aggregation as fundamental form and function, which is presented here to include systems still to be treated in detail.

Microbial extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) are the key components for the aggregation of microorganisms in biofilms, flocs and sludge. They are composed of polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and other biological macromolecules. EPS provide a highly hydrated gel matrix in which microbial cells can establish stable synergistic consortia. Cohesion and adhesion as well as morphology, structure, biological function and other properties such as mechanical stability, diffusion, sorption and optical properties of microbial aggregates are determined by the EPS matrix. Also, the protection of biofilm organisms against biocides is attributed to the EPS. Their matrix allows phase separation in biofiltration and is also important for the degradation of particulate material which is of great importance for the self purification processes in surface waters and for waste water treatment.

Biofilms represent the natural living style of microbial communities and play a pivotal role in biogeochemical cycles and natural attenuation. Biofilms can be engineered for biodegradation and biotransformation of organic and inorganic contaminants, for both in situ bioremediation and ex situ treatment in bioreactors. This book focuses on microbial biofilms and their potential technological applications for sustainable development. It covers recent advances in biofilm technologies for contaminant remediation coupled to recovery of resources and serves as a complete reference on the science and technology behind biofilm mediated bioremediation and wastewater treatment.

Half a century ago, soil ...

This book cover all types of microbe based polymers and their application in diverse sectors with special emphasis on agriculture. It collates latest research, methods, opinion, perspectives, and reviews dissecting the microbial origins of polymers, their production, design, and processing at industrial level, as well as improvements for specific industrial applications. Book also discusses recent advances in biopolymer production and their modification for amplifying the value. In addition, understanding of the microbial physiology and optimal conditions for polymer production are also explained. This compilation of scientific chapters on principles and practices of microbial polymers fosters the knowledge transfer among scientific communities, industries, and microbiologist and serves students, academicians, researchers for a better understanding of the nature of microbial polymers and application procedure for sustainable ecosystem

Handbook of Microalgal Culture is truly a landmarkpublication, drawing on some 50 years of worldwide experience inmicroalgal mass culture. This important book comprisescomprehensive reviews of the current available information onmicroalgal culture, written by 40 contributing authors from aroundthe globe. The book is divided into four parts, with Part I detailingbiological and environmental aspects of microalgae with referenceto microalgal biotechnology and Part II looking in depth at majortheories and techniques of mass cultivation. Part III compriseschapters on the economic applications of microalgae, includingcoverage of industrial production, the use of microalgae in humanand animal nutrition and in aquaculture, in nitrogen fixation,hydrogen and methane production, and in bioremediation of pollutedwater. Finally, Part IV looks at new frontiers and includeschapters on genetic engineering, microalgae as platforms forrecombinant proteins, bioactive chemicals, heterotrophicproduction, microalgae as gene-delivery systems for expressingmosquitocidal toxins and the enhancement of marine productivity forclimate stabilization and food security. Handbook of Microalgal Culture is an essential purchasefor all phycologists and also those researching aquatic systems,aquaculture and plant sciences. There is also much of great use toresearchers and those involved in product formulation withinpharmaceutical, nutrition and food companies. Libraries in alluniversities and research establishments teaching and researchingin chemistry, biological and pharmaceutical sciences, food sciencesand nutrition, and aquaculture will need copies of this book ontheir shelves. Amos Richmond is at the Blaustein Institute for DesertResearch, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

Aerobic granulation technology for wastewater treatment has been widely exploited in recent years. Currently, research on aerobic granulation is been intensively conducted in universities, institutes, private or public interest research organisations world-wide. This book provides the latest research outcomes on the fundamentals and applications of this technology for biological nutrient removal from wastewater. The book offers researchers and practitioners in wastewater treatment engineering up-to-date knowledge and understanding of this novel nutrient removal biotechnology.