Introduction to Geomicrobiology

ISBN-13: 9780632054541 / Angielski / Miękka / 2006 / 440 str.

Kurt Konhauser; Giuseppe Bertola

Opis

Introduction to Geomicrobiology is a timely and comprehensive overview of how microbial life has affected Earth's environment through time. It shows how the ubiquity of microorganisms, their high chemical reactivity, and their metabolic diversity make them the most significant biological factor controlling the chemistry of our planet.The book covers the following topics: how microorganisms are classified, the physical constraints governing their growth, and their phylogenetic diversity throughout the Earth's surface environmentsmicrobial metabolic capabilities, the chemical reactivity of the cell surface, its ability to absorb metals and the critical role of biomineralisationthe function of microorganisms in natural mineral dissolution and oxidation reactions and the industrial and environmental ramifications of these processesthe role of microorganisms in elemental cycling from biofilms to the ocean sediment column.Based on concepts from the earlier chapters, the book concludes with a synopsis of the events that led to the emergence of life and the subsequent evolution of the biosphere.This book is an essential reference for upper level undergraduate and graduate students in Earth and Biological Sciences, and students and researchers in Soil Sciences, Limnology/Oceanography and Engineering..

Recenzje

I recommend the book to anyone who is interested in where particular microbes live, how they live and what effects they may exert on our planet Earth. Certainly I will be using the book when preparing my lectures.   (Geology Today, 1 May 2011)

"This text is well illustrated with clear, informative and well–described diagrams and some splendid electron micrographs with convincing evidence for mineral deposition by bacterial action. A good index and up–to–date references make this a book that undergraduates of any biological discipline could use as an introductory text that would be useful throughout their course."
Times Higher Education Supplement

"A thorough and informative overview of the subject comprehensively referenced throughout. Dr Kohnhauser has done an excellent job in integrating the diverse aspects of geomicrobiology and making them accessible and interesting to...a wide range of readers." European Journal of Soil Science

The most comprehensive general book in geomicrobiology, showing the great advances made in geomicrobiology during the past few years Packed with information.
Journal of Sedimentary Research

"I would recommend this book to any upper undergraduate / graduate students who wish to study geomicrobiology, as well as to researchers in geomicrobiology who may find here either a nice way to fill possible gaps in their knowledge or a starting point for new research."
Journal of Sedimentary Research

Spis treści

Preface.

1. Microbial properties and diversity.

2. Microbial metabolism.

3. Cell surface reactivity and metal sorption.

4. Biomineralization.

5. Microbial weathering.

6. Microbial zonation.

7. Early microbial life.

References.

Index

O autorze

Kurt Konhauser is a Canada Research Chair in Geomicrobiology in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. He is also Editor–in–Chief for Geobiology. His current research interests include the role of bacteria in modern mineral precipitation, and how those same processes may have contributed to the preservation of early life forms and the formation of Precambrian banded iron formations.

Blurb

Introduction to Geomicrobiology is a timely and comprehensive overview of how microbial life has affected Earth s environment through time. It shows how the ubiquity of microorganisms, their high chemical reactivity, and their metabolic diversity make them a significant factor controlling the chemical composition of our planet. The following topics are covered: how microorganisms are classified, the physical constraints governing their growth, molecular approaches to studying microbial diversity, and life in extreme environments bioenergetics, microbial metabolic capabilities, and major biogeochemical pathways chemical reactivity of the cell surface, metal sorption, and the microbial role in contaminant mobility and bioremediation/biorecovery microbiological mineral formation and fossilization the function of microorganisms in mineral dissolution and oxidation, and the industrial and environmental ramifications of these processes elemental cycling in biofilms, formation of microbialites, and sediment diagenesis the events that led to the emergence of life, evolution of metabolic processes, and the diversification of the biosphere. Artwork from the book is available to instructors at www.blackwellpublishing.com/konhauser.