Environmental Microbiology

Environmental Microbiology In the past decade, the field of environmental microbiology has made significant progress in the struggle against environmental contamination. During this period, molecular genetics has become a valuable source of new techniques for the detection of microorganisms, the degradation of hazardous chemicals, and as a means of safely controlling agricultural pests. Environmental Microbiology offers an in-depth examination of the role of microbiological processes related to environmental deterioration. Emphasizing new approaches, this book investigates the complex microbial processes involved in both the contamination of water, soil, the atmosphere, and the stratosphere, and pollution control. This comprehensive text addresses such topics as:Effects of acid deposition on microbial processes in watersMicrobial transport of toxic metalsTransport of pathogens through soils and aquifersMicrobial processes in coastal pollutionBioremediation of organic contaminants in the subsurfaceMicrobial control of plant diseaseComposting in the context of municipal solid waste management.Environmental Microbiology will be of interest to microbiologists, chemists, and environmental and chemical engineers.