The Ecology of Cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria make a major contribution to world photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation, but are also notorious for causing nuisances such as dense and often toxic `blooms' in lakes and the ocean. The Ecology of Cyanobacteria: Their Diversity in Time and Space is the first book to focus solely on ecological aspects of these organisms. Its twenty-two chapters are written by some thirty authors, who are leading experts in their particular subject.
The book begins with an overview of the cyanobacteria - or blue-green algae, for those who are not specialists - then looks at their diversity in the geological record and goes on to describe their ecology in present environments where they play important roles. Why is one of the key groups of organisms in the Precambrian still one of the most important groups of phototrophs today? The importance of ecological information for rational management and exploitation of these organisms for commercial and other practical purposes is also assessed. Accounts are provided of nuisances as well as the ecology of the commercially successful Spirulina and the role of cyanobacteria in ecosystem recovery from oil pollution.
Many chapters include aspects of physiology, biochemistry, geochemistry and molecular biology where these help general understanding of the subject. In addition there are three chapters dealing specifically with molecular ecology. Thirty-two pages of colour photos incorporate about seventy views and light micrographs. These features make the book valuable to a wide readership, including biologists, microbiologists, geologists, water managers and environmental consultants. The book complements the highly successful The Molecular Biology of Cyanobacteria already published by Kluwer.

`This is an extensive and well structured book that combines the collective expertise of many of the top researchers working in the cyanobacterial field. As the book is clearly written, well presented with excellent colour plates and extensively referenced it is an ideal reference book for those working in or entering this area of microbiology.'
Microbiology Today, 28 (2001)
`Generally: a very useful book for everybody interested in biology and a must for those working in limnology and oceanography.'
Photosynthetica 39:3 (2001)
`...highly recommended for limnological and botanical institutes and departments, as it provides an excellent basic introduction to cyanobacterial ecology for advanced students. It is recommended to engineers and managers who have received basic education in limnology and who need to deal with whatever kinds of environmental problems that these organisms can cause.'
Hydrobiologia, 481 (2002)

`...the only up to date synthesis of the ecology of cyanobacteria...'

Journal of Paleolimnology, 28 (2002)

`The book...represents an up to date handbook, maybe even a bible of cyanobacterial ecology.'

Plant Ecology, 170 (2004)