Geomicrobiology

Uncovers the Key Role Microbes Play in the Transformation of Oxidizable and Reducible Minerals
Many areas of geomicrobial processes are receiving serious attention from microbiologists, specifically the role microbes play in the formation and degradation of minerals and fossil fuels and elemental cycling. Most notably, the latest research finds that microbes have a more direct impact on the transformation of oxidizable and reducible minerals than was previously believed. Following in the footsteps of its prior editions, Geomicrobiology, Fifth Edition serves as an introduction to this globally pertinent field and as an up-to-date reference reflecting recent groundbreaking advances.

Includes an Array of Detailed Illustrations
Authored by two of the leading authorities in the field, this book illuminates the processes by which bacteria catalyze geomicrobial reactions. Generously laden with tables, graphics, diagrams, photographs, and illustrations, this all-encompassing reference examines the geomicrobial aspects of a wide range of minerals, including aluminum- and arsenic-containing minerals, and various fossil fuels.

Examines Geomicrobial Interactions with:

Silicon


Phosphorus


Nitrogen


Arsenic


Polonium


Plutonium


Manganese



Antimony


Chromium


Molybdenum


Vanadium


Uranium


Iron


One of life’s great mysteries is how it sustains itself even in seemingly inhospitable environments, such as the deep subsurface. The authors anticipate that as mechanistic molecular approaches are increasingly applied to diverse problems in geomicrobiology, this and other fundamental puzzles will be resolved.

Introduction

Earth as a Microbial Habitat

Origin of Life and Its Early History

Lithosphere as a Microbial Habitat

Hydrosphere as a Microbial Habitat

Geomicrobial Processes: Physiological and Biochemical Overview

Nonmolecular Methods in Geomicrobiology

Molecular Methods in Geomicrobiology

Microbial Formation and Degradation of Carbonates

Geomicrobial Interactions with Silicon

Geomicrobiology of Aluminum: Microbes and Bauxite

Geomicrobial Interactions with Phosphorus

Geomicrobially Important Interactions with Nitrogen

Geomicrobial Interactions with Arsenic and Antimony

Geomicrobiology of Mercury

Geomicrobiology of Iron

Geomicrobiology of Manganese

Geomicrobial Interactions with Chromium, Molybdenum, Vanadium,
Uranium, Polonium, and Plutonium

Geomicrobiology of Sulfur

Biogenesis and Biodegradation of Sulfi de Minerals at Earth’s Surface

Geomicrobiology of Selenium and Tellurium

Geomicrobiology of Fossil Fuels