Freshwater Microbiology: Biodiversity and Dynamic Interactions of Microorganisms in the Aquatic Environment

Freshwater Microbiology presents a broad overview of the biodiversity and interactions of microorganisms within a wide range of freshwater environments including lakes, rivers, wetlands, snowfields, aquifers and various extreme situations. The book offers a novel perspective on aquatic systems in considering freshwater biology from a microbial viewpoint and including separate chapters on algae, bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa within a single volume. Both applied and theoretical aspects of freshwater biology are presented concisely with numerous case studies, figures and tables throughout the book. A detailed overview of all groups of microorganisms within the freshwater environment. Integrates classical concepts of ecology with recent developments in cell and molecular biology. Considers freshwater microbiology from a global perspective. Includes case studies and numerous figures and tables.

Written by an author with many years teaching and research experience, Freshwater Microbiology will prove invaluable to students and researchers in the fields of freshwater biology, algology, microbiology, environmental biology and conservation ecology.

Copyright Acknowledgements.

1. Microbial Diversity and Freashwater Ecosystems.

2. Freshwater Environments: The Influence of Physico–Chemical Conditions on Microbial Communities.

3. Algae: The Major Microbial Biomass in Freshwater Systems.

4. Competition for Light.

5. Inorganic Nutrients: Uptake and Cycling in Freshwater Systems.

6. Bacteria: The Main Heterotrophic Microorganisms in Freshwater Systems.

7. Viruses: Major Parasites in the Freshwater Environment.

8. Fungi and Fungal–like Organisms: Aquatic Biota with a Mycelial Growth Form.

9. Grazing Activities in the Freshwater Environment: The Role of Protozoa and Invertebrates.

10. Eutrophication: The Microbial Response to High Nutrient Levels.

Glossary.

References.

Index.

"...diagrams are clear and relevant, tables are informative. The bibliography is substantial..." (Times Higher Education Supplement, 24th Feb 2006)

" a valuable addition to the literature on aquatic microbiology an excellent textbook for all students who have an interest in this exciting field of value to scientists who conduct research on aquatic microorganisms " (Microbe, January 2006)

" a clear treatment of the ecological aspects surrounding the study of freshwater microbial systems " (Journal of Natural Products, October 2005)

"Sigee...has combined the multiple biological disciplines...to give a well–rounded understanding of freshwater microbiology." (CHOICE, September 2005)

"At long last we have a book that treats ′freshwater microbiology′ in its entirety...this will make an excellent general reference work." (Microbiology Today, 31st July 2005)