Freshwater Microbiology

This unique textbook takes a broad look at the rapidly expanding field of freshwater microbiology. Concentrating on the interactions between viruses, bacteria, algae, fungi and micro-invertebrates, the book gives a wide biological appeal. Alongside conventional aspects such as phytoplankton characterisation, seasonal changes and nutrient cycles, the title focuses on the dynamic and applied aspects that are not covered within the current textbooks in the field. Complete coverage of all fresh water biota from viruses to invertebrates Unique focus on microbial interactions including coverage of biofilms, important communities on all exposed rivers and lakes. New information on molecular and microscopical techniques including a study of gene exchange between bacteria in the freshwater environment. Unique emphasis on the applied aspects of freshwater microbiology with particular emphasis on biodegradation and the causes and remediation of eutrophication and algal blooms.

Freshwater Microbiology: Perspectives of Bacterial Dynamics in Lake Ecosystems provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of microbial ecology in lakes. It offers basic information on how well the bacterial community composition varies along the spatio-temporal and trophic gradients along with the evaluation of the bioindicator species of bacteria so as to act as a key to predict the trophic status of lake ecosystems. The book helps to identify the factors of potential importance in structuring the bacterial communities in lakes as it delves into the dynamics and diversity of bacterial community composition in relation to various water quality parameters. It helps to identify the possibility of bioremediation plans and devising future policy decisions, with better conservation and management practices. Provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of microbial ecology Helps to identify the factors of potential importance in structuring the bacterial community composition Gives insight into the bacterial diversity of freshwater lake ecosystems along with their industrial potential Caters to the needs and aspirations of students and professional researchers

This book explores the diversity, interactions and activities of microbes within freshwater environments. These form an important part of the biosphere, which also includes oceans, terrestrial environments and the earth's atmosphere. Freshwater environments are considered to include all those sites where freshwater occurs as the main external medium, either in the liquid or frozen state. Water microorganisms are capable of flourishing in all water habitants, from several kilometers below the seafloor to the first millimeter of a shallow trench created by rainwater and into acidic lakes. Three major domains compose water microorganisms-Eukaryota, Archaea and Bacteria - as well as viruses. Their omnipresence impacts the entire biosphere as they are the main producers of energy and carbon flow to other organisms. Some of the microbes decompose organic matter and thus they recycle nutrients in complex manner involved in various geochemical cycles as the nitrogen, the phosphorus and the carbon cycle. Water microbiology is concerned with the microorganisms that live in water, or can be transported from one habitat to another by water. Water can support the growth of many types of microorganisms. This can be advantageous. For example, the chemical activities of certain strains of yeasts provide us with beer and bread. As well, the growth of some bacteria in contaminated water can help digest the poisons from the water. This book will be useful to researchers, teachers and students of microbiology, botany, zoology and agriculture.

This contributed volume deals with the various aspects of freshwater microbiology including diverse habitats, associated microorganisms, their ecological interactions, and industrial applications. Freshwater ecosystems are dynamic natural resources, providing sources of potable water, food, animal habitats, and recreation. Perspectives of microbial dynamics in freshwater bodies, covered in this title, provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of microbial ecology in these ecosystems. These microbes are at the hub of biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other elements). Moreover, they are an integral part of the aquatic food web and control the quality of freshwater bodies. Chapters in this title also discuss the issue of pollution in freshwater bodies and put forward available strategies for eco-friendly solutions. The book is a perfect documentation of primary and secondary data-based information on the latest research findings, case studies, experiences, and innovations in the field of freshwater microbiology. The book is of great use to students, researchers, and professionals studying aquatic sciences.

This book places the main actors in environmental microbiology, namely the microorganisms, on center stage. Using the modern approach of 16S ribosomal RNA, the book looks at the taxonomy of marine and freshwater bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, viruses, and the smaller aquatic animals such as nematodes and rotifers, as well as at the study of unculturable aquatic microorganisms (metagenomics). The peculiarities of water as an environment for microbial growth, and the influence of aquatic microorganisms on global climate and global recycling of nitrogen and sulphur are also examined. The pollution of water is explored in the context of self-purification of natural waters. Modern municipal water purification and disease transmission through water are discussed. Alternative methods for solid waste disposal are related to the economic capability of a society. Viruses are given special attention. By focusing on the basics, this primer will appeal across a wide range of disciplines.

Advances in Aquatic Microbiology Volume 1 describes the characteristics of ecological niches for individual microorganisms and the intensities of individual microbiological processes in the course of turnover of various substances in reservoirs. This volume follows Volume 1 of Advances in Microbiology of the Sea book. The opening chapter presents insight to the tradition of Russian limnological microbiology followed by a discussion on conversion of inorganic nitrogen to organic nitrogen, and the microorganisms responsible for assimilatory reactions. The book considers aspects of the reduction of atmospheric dinitrogen and nitrate to ammonia and the incorporation of ammonia into organic compounds. Such considerations will relate particularly to those organisms of significance in aquatic environments. The relations between prey and predator and their significance in the investigation both the behavior of the microorganisms themselves and the prey-predator situation in general are also discussed. Chapter 4 examines how viruses, bacteria, and fungi affect the blue-green algae and the development and regulation of algal blooms. The final two chapters summarize studies in freshwater sediment microbiology and the role of bacteria in water pollution monitoring. This book caters primarily to aquatic microbiologists, but limnological microbiologists, aquatic researchers, scientists, teachers, and students with courses in aquatic microbiology will find this book invaluable.

This book discusses how aquatic microbial communities develop interactive metabolic coordination both within and between species to optimize their energetics. It explains that microbial community structuration often includes functional stratification among a multitude of organisms that variously exist either suspended in the water, lodged in sediments, or bound to one another as biofilms on solid surfaces. The authors describe techniques that can be used for preparing and distributing microbiologically safe drinking water, which presents the challenge of successfully removing the pathogenic members of the aquatic microbial community and then safely delivering that water to consumers. Drinking water distribution systems have their own microbial ecology, which we must both understand and control in order to maintain the safety of the water supply. Since studying aquatic microorganisms often entails identifying them, the book also discusses techniques for successfully isolating and cultivating bacteria. As such, it appeals to microbiologists, microbial ecologists and water quality scientists.