Environmental Microbiology And Microbial Ecology

Microbial Ecology 2e covers the ecological activities of microbes in the biosphere with an emphasis on microbial interactions within their environments and communities, and provides insights into relevant methodologies for characterization of microorganisms in the environment. In thirteen concise and timely chapters, the book presents a broad overview of this rapidly growing field, explaining the basic principles in an easy-to-follow manner. Using an integrative approach, it comprehensively covers traditional issues in ecology as well as cutting-edge content at the intersection of ecology, microbiology, environmental science and engineering, and molecular biology. The primary focus is on the single cell forms of prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea) with additional attention to cellular forms of algae, fungi and protozoans. The book provides factual information and seeks to stimulate the reader by suggesting areas where research is incomplete and additional focus is needed. Through the use of "Spotlights" the contribution or activities of several senior microbial ecologists are highlighted and these spotlights serve to emphasize the diversity of research avenues in microbial ecology. These features make this an ideal textbook for graduate or upper-level undergraduate students in biology, microbiology, ecology, or environmental science. It also serves as a highly useful reference for scientists and environmental professionals.

The authors draw upon their extensive experience in teaching microbiology to address the latest hot-button topics in the field, such as:
• Ecology of microorganisms in natural and engineered environments
• Advances in molecular-based understanding of microbial phylogeny and interactions
• Microbially driven biogeochemical processes and interactions among microbial populations and communities
• Microbial activities in extreme or unusual environments
• Ecological studies pertaining to animal, plant, and insect microbiology
• Microbial processes and interactions associated with environmental pollution

Reasons for a second edition: Our knowledge of the microbial world and microbial interactions within the environment (Microbial Ecology) is rapidly changing and it is necessary to provide the latest information and literature sources for these areas. Since there were some delays in getting the manuscript ready for publishing, some of the references are now somewhat dated. Most importantly, the chapter (Chapter 5) concerning methodologies for assessing microbial communities and community relationships needs to be addressed and this chapter will be the focus of our greatest changes of the existing text. Two additional chapters are proposed that would cover communication (oral and written) in the area of microbial ecology. Since undergraduate/initial graduate level courses often require research proposals, a short chapter addressing the writing, review of scientific research articles and presentation of ideas would be new to this book. Communicating research findings to public audiences has become increasingly important and a chapter putting forth best techniques for public audience communication will be included.

Larry L. Barton is Professor Emeritus, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico. He is author or co-editor of eight books on microbiology and is founding editor of the journal Anaerobe. Dr. Barton studies the physiological activities of microorganisms, focusing on energetics of anaerobic bacteria and bacterial inorganic metabolism.

R.J.C. McLean is Regents’ Professor, Department of Biology, Texas State University. His research include biofilm growth and development as well as microbial mineral formation and nanobacteria.