Author: Tulasi Satyanarayana
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400758995
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 951
Book Description
The existence of life at high temperatures is quiet fascinating. At elevated temperatures, only microorganisms are capable of growth and survival. Many thermophilic microbial genera have been isolated from man-made (washing machines, factory effluents, waste streams and acid mine effluents) and natural (volcanic areas, geothermal areas, terrestrial hot springs, submarine hydrothermal vents, geothermally heated oil reserves and oil wells, sun-heated litter and soils/sediments) thermal habitats throughout the world. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches have been employed for understanding the diversity of microbes in hot environments. Interest in their diversity, ecology, and physiology has increased enormously during the past few decades as indicated by the deliberations in international conferences on extremophiles and thermophiles held every alternate year and papers published in journals such as Extremophiles. Thermophilic moulds and bacteria have been extensively studied in plant biomass bioconversion processes as sources of industrial enzymes and as gene donors. In the development of third generation biofuels such as bioethanol, thermophilic fungal and bacterial enzymes are of particular interest. The book is aimed at bringing together scattered up-to-date information on various aspects of thermophiles such as the diversity of thermophiles and viruses of thermophiles, their potential roles in pollution control and bioremediation, and composting.
Thermophilic Microbes in Environmental and Industrial Biotechnology
Author: Tulasi Satyanarayana
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400758995
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 951
Book Description
The existence of life at high temperatures is quiet fascinating. At elevated temperatures, only microorganisms are capable of growth and survival. Many thermophilic microbial genera have been isolated from man-made (washing machines, factory effluents, waste streams and acid mine effluents) and natural (volcanic areas, geothermal areas, terrestrial hot springs, submarine hydrothermal vents, geothermally heated oil reserves and oil wells, sun-heated litter and soils/sediments) thermal habitats throughout the world. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches have been employed for understanding the diversity of microbes in hot environments. Interest in their diversity, ecology, and physiology has increased enormously during the past few decades as indicated by the deliberations in international conferences on extremophiles and thermophiles held every alternate year and papers published in journals such as Extremophiles. Thermophilic moulds and bacteria have been extensively studied in plant biomass bioconversion processes as sources of industrial enzymes and as gene donors. In the development of third generation biofuels such as bioethanol, thermophilic fungal and bacterial enzymes are of particular interest. The book is aimed at bringing together scattered up-to-date information on various aspects of thermophiles such as the diversity of thermophiles and viruses of thermophiles, their potential roles in pollution control and bioremediation, and composting.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9400758995
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 951
Book Description
The existence of life at high temperatures is quiet fascinating. At elevated temperatures, only microorganisms are capable of growth and survival. Many thermophilic microbial genera have been isolated from man-made (washing machines, factory effluents, waste streams and acid mine effluents) and natural (volcanic areas, geothermal areas, terrestrial hot springs, submarine hydrothermal vents, geothermally heated oil reserves and oil wells, sun-heated litter and soils/sediments) thermal habitats throughout the world. Both culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches have been employed for understanding the diversity of microbes in hot environments. Interest in their diversity, ecology, and physiology has increased enormously during the past few decades as indicated by the deliberations in international conferences on extremophiles and thermophiles held every alternate year and papers published in journals such as Extremophiles. Thermophilic moulds and bacteria have been extensively studied in plant biomass bioconversion processes as sources of industrial enzymes and as gene donors. In the development of third generation biofuels such as bioethanol, thermophilic fungal and bacterial enzymes are of particular interest. The book is aimed at bringing together scattered up-to-date information on various aspects of thermophiles such as the diversity of thermophiles and viruses of thermophiles, their potential roles in pollution control and bioremediation, and composting.
Thermophilic Bacteria
Author: Jakob K. Kristjansson
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849352393
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Thermophilic Bacteria is a comprehensive volume that describes all major bacterial groups that can grow above 60-65°C (excluding the Archaea). Over 60 different species of aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacteria are covered. Isolation, growth methods, characterization and identification, ecology, metabolism, and enzymology of thermophilic bacteria are examined in detail, and an extensive compilation of recent biotechnological applications and the properties of many thermostable enzymes are also included. Major topics discussed in the book include a general review on thermophilic bacteria and archaea; heterotropic bacilli; the genus Thermus; new and rare genera of aerobic heterophophs, such as Saccharococcus, Rhodothermus, and Scotohermus; aerobic chemolithoautotrophic thermophilic bacteria; obligately anaerobic thermophilic bacteria; and hyperthermophilic Thermotogales and thermophilic phototrophs. Extensive bibliographies are also provided for each chapter. The vast amount of information packed into this one volume makes it essential for all microbiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and students interested in the expanding field of thermophilicity. Biotechnologists will find the book useful as a source of information on thermophiles or thermostable enzymes of possible industrial use.
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 9780849352393
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 238
Book Description
Thermophilic Bacteria is a comprehensive volume that describes all major bacterial groups that can grow above 60-65°C (excluding the Archaea). Over 60 different species of aerobic and anaerobic thermophilic bacteria are covered. Isolation, growth methods, characterization and identification, ecology, metabolism, and enzymology of thermophilic bacteria are examined in detail, and an extensive compilation of recent biotechnological applications and the properties of many thermostable enzymes are also included. Major topics discussed in the book include a general review on thermophilic bacteria and archaea; heterotropic bacilli; the genus Thermus; new and rare genera of aerobic heterophophs, such as Saccharococcus, Rhodothermus, and Scotohermus; aerobic chemolithoautotrophic thermophilic bacteria; obligately anaerobic thermophilic bacteria; and hyperthermophilic Thermotogales and thermophilic phototrophs. Extensive bibliographies are also provided for each chapter. The vast amount of information packed into this one volume makes it essential for all microbiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, and students interested in the expanding field of thermophilicity. Biotechnologists will find the book useful as a source of information on thermophiles or thermostable enzymes of possible industrial use.
Microbial Extremozymes
Author: Mohammed Kuddus
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128231025
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Microbial Extremozymes: Novel Sources and Industrial Applications is a unique resource of practical research information on the latest novel sources and technologies regarding extremozymes in bioremediation, waste management, valorization of industrial by-products, biotransformation of natural polymers, nutrition, food safety and diagnosis of disease. The book's broad knowledge and varying applications are useful to the food industry, dairy industry, fruit and vegetable processing, and baking and beverages industries, as well as the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. This is a concise, all-encompassing resource for a range of scientists needing knowledge of extremozymes to enhance and research. Furthermore, it provides an updated knowledge of microbial enzymes isolated from extreme environments (temperatures, etc.) and their biotechnological applications. It will be useful to researchers, scientists and students in enzyme research. In addition, users from the dairy and baking industries will benefit from the presented content. - Explores recent scientific research on extremophiles and extremozymes technologies that help innovate novel ideas - Provides innovative technologies for enzyme production from extremophilic microbes - Includes cutting-edge research for applications in various industries where extreme temperature conditions exist - Presents novel microorganisms and their enzymes from extreme environments (Thermophilic, Psychrophilic, Acidophilic, Alkaliphilic, Anaerobic, Halophilic, Barophilic, Metallotolerant, Radioresistant, etc.)
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128231025
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Microbial Extremozymes: Novel Sources and Industrial Applications is a unique resource of practical research information on the latest novel sources and technologies regarding extremozymes in bioremediation, waste management, valorization of industrial by-products, biotransformation of natural polymers, nutrition, food safety and diagnosis of disease. The book's broad knowledge and varying applications are useful to the food industry, dairy industry, fruit and vegetable processing, and baking and beverages industries, as well as the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries. This is a concise, all-encompassing resource for a range of scientists needing knowledge of extremozymes to enhance and research. Furthermore, it provides an updated knowledge of microbial enzymes isolated from extreme environments (temperatures, etc.) and their biotechnological applications. It will be useful to researchers, scientists and students in enzyme research. In addition, users from the dairy and baking industries will benefit from the presented content. - Explores recent scientific research on extremophiles and extremozymes technologies that help innovate novel ideas - Provides innovative technologies for enzyme production from extremophilic microbes - Includes cutting-edge research for applications in various industries where extreme temperature conditions exist - Presents novel microorganisms and their enzymes from extreme environments (Thermophilic, Psychrophilic, Acidophilic, Alkaliphilic, Anaerobic, Halophilic, Barophilic, Metallotolerant, Radioresistant, etc.)
Thermophilic Microorganisms
Author: Fu-li Li
Publisher: Caister Academic Press Limited
ISBN: 9781910190135
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Thermophilic microorganisms thrive in a variety of marine and terrestrial habitats. These organisms have evolved several biochemical and molecular strategies to counteract the deleterious effects of the high temperatures in their environments. In this book, leading scientists highlight the current progress in the most topical areas of research providing a timely overview of the field. The authors discuss current technical challenges and future development trends.--
Publisher: Caister Academic Press Limited
ISBN: 9781910190135
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 0
Book Description
Thermophilic microorganisms thrive in a variety of marine and terrestrial habitats. These organisms have evolved several biochemical and molecular strategies to counteract the deleterious effects of the high temperatures in their environments. In this book, leading scientists highlight the current progress in the most topical areas of research providing a timely overview of the field. The authors discuss current technical challenges and future development trends.--
Physiology, Genomics, and Biotechnological Applications of Extremophiles
Author: Gunjal, Aparna B.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799891461
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 473
Book Description
Extremophiles are organisms that are able to live in extreme conditions due to their unique physiological and genetic adaptations. Extremophiles are harnessed for their extremozymes that have wide applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutics, and industry. Recent developments in genomics and proteomics have helped unravel the mechanism of survival, physiological adaptation, and genomics structure of extremophiles. Physiology, Genomics, and Biotechnological Applications of Extremophiles covers innovative developments in understanding the physiology and biochemistry of extremophiles using the -omics perspective, focuses on the advancement in mechanisms of the extremophiles that makes them able to survive under extreme conditions, and discusses the applications of extremophiles in astrobiology. Covering topics such as genomics and the history and identification of extremophiles, it is ideal for students, professors, researchers, academicians, microbiologists, agricultural scientists, and biotechnologists.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN: 1799891461
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 473
Book Description
Extremophiles are organisms that are able to live in extreme conditions due to their unique physiological and genetic adaptations. Extremophiles are harnessed for their extremozymes that have wide applications in biotechnology, pharmaceutics, and industry. Recent developments in genomics and proteomics have helped unravel the mechanism of survival, physiological adaptation, and genomics structure of extremophiles. Physiology, Genomics, and Biotechnological Applications of Extremophiles covers innovative developments in understanding the physiology and biochemistry of extremophiles using the -omics perspective, focuses on the advancement in mechanisms of the extremophiles that makes them able to survive under extreme conditions, and discusses the applications of extremophiles in astrobiology. Covering topics such as genomics and the history and identification of extremophiles, it is ideal for students, professors, researchers, academicians, microbiologists, agricultural scientists, and biotechnologists.
Soil Bioremediation
Author: Javid A. Parray
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119547954
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
SOIL BIOREMEDIATION A practical guide to the environmentally sustainable bioremediation of soil Soil Bioremediation: An Approach Towards Sustainable Technology provides the first comprehensive discussion of sustainable and effective techniques for soil bioremediation involving microbes. Presenting established and updated research on emerging trends in bioremediation, this book provides contributions from both experimental and numerical researchers who provide reports on significant field trials. Soil Bioremediation instructs the reader on several different environmentally friendly bioremediation techniques, including: Bio-sorption Bio-augmentation Bio-stimulation Emphasizing molecular approaches and biosynthetic pathways of microbes, this one-of-a-kind reference focuses heavily on the role of microbes in the degradation and removal of xenobiotic substances from the environment and presents a unique management and conservation perspective in the field of environmental microbiology. Soil Bioremediation is perfect for undergraduate students in the fields of environmental science, microbiology, limnology, freshwater ecology and microbial biotechnology. It is also invaluable for researchers and scientists working in the areas of environmental science, environmental microbiology, and waste management.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119547954
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 372
Book Description
SOIL BIOREMEDIATION A practical guide to the environmentally sustainable bioremediation of soil Soil Bioremediation: An Approach Towards Sustainable Technology provides the first comprehensive discussion of sustainable and effective techniques for soil bioremediation involving microbes. Presenting established and updated research on emerging trends in bioremediation, this book provides contributions from both experimental and numerical researchers who provide reports on significant field trials. Soil Bioremediation instructs the reader on several different environmentally friendly bioremediation techniques, including: Bio-sorption Bio-augmentation Bio-stimulation Emphasizing molecular approaches and biosynthetic pathways of microbes, this one-of-a-kind reference focuses heavily on the role of microbes in the degradation and removal of xenobiotic substances from the environment and presents a unique management and conservation perspective in the field of environmental microbiology. Soil Bioremediation is perfect for undergraduate students in the fields of environmental science, microbiology, limnology, freshwater ecology and microbial biotechnology. It is also invaluable for researchers and scientists working in the areas of environmental science, environmental microbiology, and waste management.
Microorganisms In Industry And Environment: From Scientific And Industrial Research To Consumer Products - Proceedings Of The Iii International Conference On Environmental, Industrial And Applied Microbiology (Biomicroworld2009)
Author: Antonio Mendez-vilas
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814464198
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 736
Book Description
This book aims to disseminate the most current research in applied microbiology presented at the III International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology (BioMicroWorld2009) held in Lisbon, Portugal, in December 2009.This volume offers an inviting exploration of microbiology from scientific and industrial research to consumer products in a compilation of more than 150 papers written by leading experts in the field, who afford critical insights into several topics, review current research and discuss future directions to stimulate further discussions. This book also serves as an update on the most important current microbial research, by providing a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge topics in a single volume, where readers can also gain insights into how microbiology can solve problems in everyday settings.Although largely intended for microbiologists interested in knowing the latest developments in agriculture, environmental, food, industrial, medical and pharmaceutical microbiology and microbial biotechnology, this book is also a great source of reference for scientists and researchers involved in advancements in applied microbiology.
Publisher: World Scientific
ISBN: 9814464198
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 736
Book Description
This book aims to disseminate the most current research in applied microbiology presented at the III International Conference on Environmental, Industrial and Applied Microbiology (BioMicroWorld2009) held in Lisbon, Portugal, in December 2009.This volume offers an inviting exploration of microbiology from scientific and industrial research to consumer products in a compilation of more than 150 papers written by leading experts in the field, who afford critical insights into several topics, review current research and discuss future directions to stimulate further discussions. This book also serves as an update on the most important current microbial research, by providing a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge topics in a single volume, where readers can also gain insights into how microbiology can solve problems in everyday settings.Although largely intended for microbiologists interested in knowing the latest developments in agriculture, environmental, food, industrial, medical and pharmaceutical microbiology and microbial biotechnology, this book is also a great source of reference for scientists and researchers involved in advancements in applied microbiology.
Enzymes from Extreme Environments
Author: Noha M. Mesbah
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889198308
Category : Biotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 105
Book Description
Enzymes are nature’s biocatalysts empowered with high catalytic power and remarkable substrate specificity. Enzymes perform a wide range of functions throughout nature, and guide the biochemistry of life with great precision. The majority of enzymes perform under conditions considered normal for mesophilic, neutrophilic, terrestrial microorganisms. However, the Earth’s biosphere contains several regions that are extreme in comparison, such as hypersaline lakes and pools, hydrothermal vents, cold oceans, dry deserts and areas exposed to intensive radiation. These areas are inhabited by a large number of extremophilic microorganisms which produce enzymes capable of functioning in unusual conditions. There is an increasing biotechnological and industrial demand for enzymes stable and functioning in harsh conditions, and over the past decade screening for, isolation and production of enzymes with unique and extreme properties has become one of the foremost areas of biotechnology research. The development of advanced molecular biology tools has facilitated the quest for production of enzymes with optimized and extreme features. These tools include large-scale screening for potential genes using metagenomics, engineering of enzymes using computational techniques and site-directed mutagenesis and molecular evolution techniques. The goal of this Research Topic is to present reports on latest advances in enzymes from all types of extreme environments. Contributions dealing with isolation of enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms or directly from natural environments, screening for and expression of enzymes with extreme properties using metagenomic approaches are welcome. In addition, contributions dealing with all forms of biocatalyst production and improvement are welcome, such as fermentation technology, protein engineering, directed evolution, rational design, and immobilization techniques.
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889198308
Category : Biotechnology
Languages : en
Pages : 105
Book Description
Enzymes are nature’s biocatalysts empowered with high catalytic power and remarkable substrate specificity. Enzymes perform a wide range of functions throughout nature, and guide the biochemistry of life with great precision. The majority of enzymes perform under conditions considered normal for mesophilic, neutrophilic, terrestrial microorganisms. However, the Earth’s biosphere contains several regions that are extreme in comparison, such as hypersaline lakes and pools, hydrothermal vents, cold oceans, dry deserts and areas exposed to intensive radiation. These areas are inhabited by a large number of extremophilic microorganisms which produce enzymes capable of functioning in unusual conditions. There is an increasing biotechnological and industrial demand for enzymes stable and functioning in harsh conditions, and over the past decade screening for, isolation and production of enzymes with unique and extreme properties has become one of the foremost areas of biotechnology research. The development of advanced molecular biology tools has facilitated the quest for production of enzymes with optimized and extreme features. These tools include large-scale screening for potential genes using metagenomics, engineering of enzymes using computational techniques and site-directed mutagenesis and molecular evolution techniques. The goal of this Research Topic is to present reports on latest advances in enzymes from all types of extreme environments. Contributions dealing with isolation of enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms or directly from natural environments, screening for and expression of enzymes with extreme properties using metagenomic approaches are welcome. In addition, contributions dealing with all forms of biocatalyst production and improvement are welcome, such as fermentation technology, protein engineering, directed evolution, rational design, and immobilization techniques.
Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology
Author: Bibhuti Bhusan Mishra
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111952623X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology Uniquely reveals the state-of-the-art microbial research/advances in the environment and agriculture fields Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology: Applications for Sustainability is divided into two parts which embody chapters on sustenance and life cycles of microorganisms in various environmental conditions, their dispersal, interactions with other inhabited communities, metabolite production, and reclamation. Though books pertaining to soil & agricultural microbiology/environmental biotechnology are available, there is a dearth of comprehensive literature on the behavior of microorganisms in the environmental and agricultural realm. Part 1 includes bioremediation of agrochemicals by microalgae, detoxification of chromium and other heavy metals by microbial biofilm, microbial biopolymer technology including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB), their production, degradability behaviors, and applications. Biosurfactants production and their commercial importance are also systematically represented in this part. Part 2 having 9 chapters, facilitates imperative ideas on approaches for sustainable agriculture through functional soil microbes, next-generation crop improvement strategies via rhizosphere microbiome, production and implementation of liquid biofertilizers, mitigation of methane from livestock, chitinases from microbes, extremozymes, an enzyme from extremophilic microorganism and their relevance in current biotechnology, lithobiontic communities, and their environmental importance, have all been comprehensively elaborated. In the era of sustainable energy production, biofuel and other bioenergy products play a key role, and their production from microbial sources are frontiers for researchers. The final chapter unveils the importance of microbes and their consortia for management of solid waste in amalgamation with biotechnology Audience The book will be read by environmental microbiologists, biotechnologists, chemical and agricultural engineers.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 111952623X
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 466
Book Description
Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology Uniquely reveals the state-of-the-art microbial research/advances in the environment and agriculture fields Environmental and Agricultural Microbiology: Applications for Sustainability is divided into two parts which embody chapters on sustenance and life cycles of microorganisms in various environmental conditions, their dispersal, interactions with other inhabited communities, metabolite production, and reclamation. Though books pertaining to soil & agricultural microbiology/environmental biotechnology are available, there is a dearth of comprehensive literature on the behavior of microorganisms in the environmental and agricultural realm. Part 1 includes bioremediation of agrochemicals by microalgae, detoxification of chromium and other heavy metals by microbial biofilm, microbial biopolymer technology including polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) and polyhydroxybutyrates (PHB), their production, degradability behaviors, and applications. Biosurfactants production and their commercial importance are also systematically represented in this part. Part 2 having 9 chapters, facilitates imperative ideas on approaches for sustainable agriculture through functional soil microbes, next-generation crop improvement strategies via rhizosphere microbiome, production and implementation of liquid biofertilizers, mitigation of methane from livestock, chitinases from microbes, extremozymes, an enzyme from extremophilic microorganism and their relevance in current biotechnology, lithobiontic communities, and their environmental importance, have all been comprehensively elaborated. In the era of sustainable energy production, biofuel and other bioenergy products play a key role, and their production from microbial sources are frontiers for researchers. The final chapter unveils the importance of microbes and their consortia for management of solid waste in amalgamation with biotechnology Audience The book will be read by environmental microbiologists, biotechnologists, chemical and agricultural engineers.
Microorganisms in Environmental Management
Author: T. Satyanarayana
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940072229X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 827
Book Description
Microbes and their biosynthetic capabilities have been invaluable in finding solutions for several intractable problems mankind has encountered in maintaining the quality of the environment. They have, for example, been used to positive effect in human and animal health, genetic engineering, environmental protection, and municipal and industrial waste treatment. Microorganisms have enabled feasible and cost-effective responses which would have been impossible via straightforward chemical or physical engineering methods. Microbial technologies have of late been applied to a range of environmental problems, with considerable success. This survey of recent scientific progress in usefully applying microbes to both environmental management and biotechnology is informed by acknowledgement of the polluting effects on the world around us of soil erosion, the unwanted migration of sediments, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the improper treatment of human and animal wastes. These harmful phenomena have resulted in serious environmental and social problems around the world, problems which require us to look for solutions elsewhere than in established physical and chemical technologies. Often the answer lies in hybrid applications in which microbial methods are combined with physical and chemical ones. When we remember that these highly effective microorganisms, cultured for a variety of applications, are but a tiny fraction of those to be found in the world around us, we realize the vastness of the untapped and beneficial potential of microorganisms. At present, comprehending the diversity of hitherto uncultured microbes involves the application of metagenomics, with several novel microbial species having been discovered using culture-independent approaches. Edited by recognized leaders in the field, this penetrating assessment of our progress to date in deploying microorganisms to the advantage of environmental management and biotechnology will be widely welcomed.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940072229X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 827
Book Description
Microbes and their biosynthetic capabilities have been invaluable in finding solutions for several intractable problems mankind has encountered in maintaining the quality of the environment. They have, for example, been used to positive effect in human and animal health, genetic engineering, environmental protection, and municipal and industrial waste treatment. Microorganisms have enabled feasible and cost-effective responses which would have been impossible via straightforward chemical or physical engineering methods. Microbial technologies have of late been applied to a range of environmental problems, with considerable success. This survey of recent scientific progress in usefully applying microbes to both environmental management and biotechnology is informed by acknowledgement of the polluting effects on the world around us of soil erosion, the unwanted migration of sediments, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the improper treatment of human and animal wastes. These harmful phenomena have resulted in serious environmental and social problems around the world, problems which require us to look for solutions elsewhere than in established physical and chemical technologies. Often the answer lies in hybrid applications in which microbial methods are combined with physical and chemical ones. When we remember that these highly effective microorganisms, cultured for a variety of applications, are but a tiny fraction of those to be found in the world around us, we realize the vastness of the untapped and beneficial potential of microorganisms. At present, comprehending the diversity of hitherto uncultured microbes involves the application of metagenomics, with several novel microbial species having been discovered using culture-independent approaches. Edited by recognized leaders in the field, this penetrating assessment of our progress to date in deploying microorganisms to the advantage of environmental management and biotechnology will be widely welcomed.