Microbes and microbial technology: Agricultural and environmental applications

Abstract

Awareness of the role of microbes and microbial biotechnology in improving the quality of life has been recognized worldwide. Today, what is urgently needed an is exploration of new microbes and novel genes for solving some of the major challenges of the 21st century with particular reference to sustainable agriculture, the environment and human health. Therefore, it is realized that a book addressing microbes and microbial technology must be made available to meet the critical gap in applied microbiology and microbial technology for students, researchers and technology development professionals. It is expected that this book will serve as an invaluable overview of recent advances in this field for microbial biotechnology professionals and for other professionals with interests in sustainable agriculture and environmental health. The book covers a broad area which includes microbial diversity exploration and detection of microbial pathogens in food, concepts and applications of microbial biofilms, genetic exchange in bacterial populations in the natural environment, classical and modern techniques for studying and tracking plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, bioremediation of contaminated soil and water using microbial surfactants, bioaugmentation-assisted phytoremediation, and degradation of agricultural pesticides by soil bacteria. Biosorption of common heavy metals by microbial biomass, recent trends in the role of baculoviruses and fungal-based agents in controlling plant pests and disease, and production technology of mycorrhizal fungi are addressed in depth. Trends in new frontiers of microbiology such as quorum sensing, biosensors, nanobiotechnology and probiotics are also covered. This book is based on the contribution of authors and experts from different parts of the world in the areas of applied and environmental microbiology and microbial technology. This work is a significant contribution to research in this increasingly important discipline and is relevant for students and researchers in microbiology, agriculture, the environment, and soil and crop sciences. This book will also be of much interest and useful for biotechnologists and industries involved in management of agricultural and environmental problems and those seeking novel applications of the microbial world. © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2011. All rights reserved.