Biofilms in Bioremediation: Current Research and Emerging Technologies

The microbial bioremediation of contaminants is cost effective and reliable and a number of approaches are in widespread commercial use. Microbial bioremediation makes use of the metabolic activities of biofilm-dwelling microorganisms which are responsible for the majority of pollutant degradation in natural environments. In this book, renowned scientists from around the world provide up-to-date and authoritative reviews of the latest scientific research that has contributed to our understanding of the vital importance of microbial biofilms for the biological remediation of contaminated environments. The results of a variety of key case studies are presented to highlight the broad range of treatment approaches and applications at our disposal. In addition, the authors discuss the future trends and likely growth areas in biofilm-related research. This comprehensive volume is indispensable for anyone involved in bioremediation, biofilm research or environmental microbiology. It is also recommended as a reference work for all microbiology libraries.

"This book is the first to describe explicitly the role of biofilms in bioremediation ... The book presents the fundamentals of biofilm research ... and represents a first step in understanding the role of biofilms in bioremediation" from Biospektrum

"up-to-date and authoritative reviews ... indispensable ... recommended as a reference work" from Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ.

"easy navigation and chapters of specific interest can be read as stand-alone items ... A useful book for those new to the area" from Microbiology Today

"describes well the basic principles of biofilm in the degradation of organic pollutants ... clearly explains the potential roles of biofilms in bioremediating soils, sediments, and aquifers ... brings together descriptions of recent tools and information ... will help the microbiologist, the biotechnologist, and the environmental engineer to develop and integrate more sustainable technologies for bioremediation of industrial wastes. It will be useful or even indispensable to teachers, students, and researchers in the life sciences, particularly of industrial biotechnology and environmental microbiology."from Front. Environ. Sci. (2017) https: //doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2017.00022