Introduction to Geomicrobiology

 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.

Review: "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