| Summary: | This book seeks to place the main actors in matters of environmental microbiology, namely the microorganisms, on center stage. Using the modern approach of 16S ribosomal RNA, the book looks, in great detail, at the taxonomy of marine and freshwater bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, viruses, and the smaller aquatic animals such as nematodes and rotifers, as well as at the study of unculturable aquatic microorganisms (metagenomics). The peculiarities of water as an environment for microbial growth, and the influence of aquatic microorganisms on global climate and global recycling of nitrogen and sulphur are also examined. The pollution of water is explored in the context of self-purification of natural waters. Modern municipal water purification and disease transmission through water are discussed. Alternative methods for solid waste disposal are related to the economic capability of a society. Viruses are given special attention because, until recently, it was thought they were not important in aquatic environments. The modern understanding is that they are not only abundant, but play a crucial role in the sustenance of the various components of the biological ecosystem in aquatic environments. The book will be useful to a wide range of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as relevant practitioners in microbiology, general biology, environmental science, public health and civil (sanitary) engineering
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