Author: Jastin Samuel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910661
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Three: Microbial Tools for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent developments in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Three includes concepts and applications of microbes in ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainable practices. The book will include case studies and utility of microbes on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. This book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. This book will be helpful to environmental biotechnology scientists, industrial professionals and experts working in the field of microbiology. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 3
Author: Jastin Samuel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910661
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Three: Microbial Tools for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent developments in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Three includes concepts and applications of microbes in ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainable practices. The book will include case studies and utility of microbes on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. This book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. This book will be helpful to environmental biotechnology scientists, industrial professionals and experts working in the field of microbiology. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910661
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Three: Microbial Tools for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent developments in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Three includes concepts and applications of microbes in ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainable practices. The book will include case studies and utility of microbes on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. This book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. This book will be helpful to environmental biotechnology scientists, industrial professionals and experts working in the field of microbiology. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 1
Author: Jastin Samuel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910564
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume One: Microbial Products for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent discoveries in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Users will find reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, the environment and social development. Volume One includes the direct and indirect role of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, viruses, mycoplasma and protozoans in the development of products contributing towards sustainable. The book provides a holistic approach to the most recent advances in the application of various microbes as a biotechnological tool for a vast range of sustainable applications, modern practices, exploring futuristic strategies to harness its full potential. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910564
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 400
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume One: Microbial Products for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent discoveries in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Users will find reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, the environment and social development. Volume One includes the direct and indirect role of bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, viruses, mycoplasma and protozoans in the development of products contributing towards sustainable. The book provides a holistic approach to the most recent advances in the application of various microbes as a biotechnological tool for a vast range of sustainable applications, modern practices, exploring futuristic strategies to harness its full potential. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 2
Author: Jastin Samuel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910572
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Two: Microbial Mitigation of Waste for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent discoveries in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Two describes the successful application of microbes and their derivatives for waste management of potentially toxic and relatively novel compounds. This proposed book will be helpful to environmental scientists, experts and policymakers working in the field of microbe- based mitigation of environmental wastes. The book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323910572
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 352
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Two: Microbial Mitigation of Waste for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent discoveries in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Two describes the successful application of microbes and their derivatives for waste management of potentially toxic and relatively novel compounds. This proposed book will be helpful to environmental scientists, experts and policymakers working in the field of microbe- based mitigation of environmental wastes. The book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. - Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development - Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services - Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Relationship Between Microbes and the Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume 3
Author: Jastin Samuel
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323899366
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Three: Microbial Tools for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent developments in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Three includes concepts and applications of microbes in ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainable practices. The book will include case studies and utility of microbes on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. This book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. This book will be helpful to environmental biotechnology scientists, industrial professionals and experts working in the field of microbiology. Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323899366
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 340
Book Description
Relationship Between Microbes and Environment for Sustainable Ecosystem Services, Volume Three: Microbial Tools for Sustainable Ecosystem Services promotes advances in sustainable solutions, value-added products, and fundamental research in microbes and the environment. Topics include advanced and recent developments in the use of microbes for sustainable development. Volume Three includes concepts and applications of microbes in ecosystem services, with a focus on sustainable practices. The book will include case studies and utility of microbes on both geographical and production system-wide considerations. This book provides reference information ranging from the description of various microbial applications for the sustainability in different aspects of food, energy, environment industry and social development. This book will be helpful to environmental biotechnology scientists, industrial professionals and experts working in the field of microbiology. Covers the latest developments, recent applications and future research avenues in microbial biotechnology for sustainable development Includes expressive tables and figures with concise information about sustainable ecosystem services Provides a wide variety of applications and modern practices of harnessing the potential of microbes in the environment
Neuromarketing's Role in Sustainable Finance
Author: Taneja, Sanjay
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 634
Book Description
Neuromarketing plays a significant role in sustainable finance by tapping into the emotional and cognitive factors that influence investor decisions regarding socially and environmentally responsible investments. It helps financial institutions understand how individuals respond to sustainability messages, enabling them to craft more persuasive campaigns that resonate with investors’ values. By leveraging insights into behavior and decision-making processes, neuromarketing enhances the appeal of sustainable finance, encourages greener investment choices, and helps align financial practices with the growing demand for ethical, long-term impact solutions. Neuromarketing's Role in Sustainable Finance explores the intersection of neuromarketing and sustainable finance, revealing how insights from cognitive neuroscience can drive environmentally responsible investment behaviors. It examines subconscious factors influencing consumer decisions toward green investments, offering theoretical frameworks and practical applications to understand and promote ethical financial choices. Covering topics such as behavioral finance, environmental awareness, and investor patterns, this book is an excellent resource for scholars, researchers, financial professionals, marketers, business professionals, academicians, graduate and postgraduate students, and more.
Publisher: IGI Global
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 634
Book Description
Neuromarketing plays a significant role in sustainable finance by tapping into the emotional and cognitive factors that influence investor decisions regarding socially and environmentally responsible investments. It helps financial institutions understand how individuals respond to sustainability messages, enabling them to craft more persuasive campaigns that resonate with investors’ values. By leveraging insights into behavior and decision-making processes, neuromarketing enhances the appeal of sustainable finance, encourages greener investment choices, and helps align financial practices with the growing demand for ethical, long-term impact solutions. Neuromarketing's Role in Sustainable Finance explores the intersection of neuromarketing and sustainable finance, revealing how insights from cognitive neuroscience can drive environmentally responsible investment behaviors. It examines subconscious factors influencing consumer decisions toward green investments, offering theoretical frameworks and practical applications to understand and promote ethical financial choices. Covering topics such as behavioral finance, environmental awareness, and investor patterns, this book is an excellent resource for scholars, researchers, financial professionals, marketers, business professionals, academicians, graduate and postgraduate students, and more.
Environmental Materials and Waste
Author: Majeti Narasimha Vara Prasad
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0443220700
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 882
Book Description
Environmental Materials and Waste: Circular Economy and Pollution Abatement, Second Edition, contains the latest information on environmental sustainability as a wide variety of natural resources are increasingly being exploited to meet the demands of a worldwide growing population and economy. The book takes a multidisciplinary approach to fully realize the number of by-products which can be remanufactured, providing the foundation needed across disciplines to tackle this issue. As awareness and opportunities to recover valuable resources from process and bleed streams is gaining interest, sustainable recovery of environmental materials, including wastewater, offers tremendous opportunity to combine profitable and sustainable production. In this 2nd edition, operational principles of circular economy for sustainable development with reference to environmental waste shall be covered. Circular economy research is discussed in depth as it has gained considerable momentum in the scientific literature thus far, and both conceptual debates and the creation of useful implementation strategies are still in their infancy. Although circular systems are now being implemented, this book will emphasize the importance to properly consider and convert circular economy goals and principles into actions. As a whole, this 2nd edition of Environmental Materials and Waste covers a wide range of issues that must be covered in order to improve environmental sustainability. - Presents a state-of-the-art guide to environmental sustainability - Provides an overview of the field, highlighting recent and emerging issues in environmental resource recovery that cover a wide array of by-products for remanufacture potential - Details a multidisciplinary approach to fully realize the number of by-products which can be remanufactured, providing the foundation needed across disciplines to tackle these global issues
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0443220700
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 882
Book Description
Environmental Materials and Waste: Circular Economy and Pollution Abatement, Second Edition, contains the latest information on environmental sustainability as a wide variety of natural resources are increasingly being exploited to meet the demands of a worldwide growing population and economy. The book takes a multidisciplinary approach to fully realize the number of by-products which can be remanufactured, providing the foundation needed across disciplines to tackle this issue. As awareness and opportunities to recover valuable resources from process and bleed streams is gaining interest, sustainable recovery of environmental materials, including wastewater, offers tremendous opportunity to combine profitable and sustainable production. In this 2nd edition, operational principles of circular economy for sustainable development with reference to environmental waste shall be covered. Circular economy research is discussed in depth as it has gained considerable momentum in the scientific literature thus far, and both conceptual debates and the creation of useful implementation strategies are still in their infancy. Although circular systems are now being implemented, this book will emphasize the importance to properly consider and convert circular economy goals and principles into actions. As a whole, this 2nd edition of Environmental Materials and Waste covers a wide range of issues that must be covered in order to improve environmental sustainability. - Presents a state-of-the-art guide to environmental sustainability - Provides an overview of the field, highlighting recent and emerging issues in environmental resource recovery that cover a wide array of by-products for remanufacture potential - Details a multidisciplinary approach to fully realize the number of by-products which can be remanufactured, providing the foundation needed across disciplines to tackle these global issues
Microorganisms for Sustainable Environment and Health
Author: Pankaj Chowdhary
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128190043
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 539
Book Description
Microorganisms for Sustainable Environment and Health covers hazardous pollutants released from natural as well as anthropogenic activities and implications on environmental and human health. This book serves as a valuable source of basic knowledge and recent developments in the clean technologies and pollution-associated diseases and abnormalities in the context of microorganisms. Focused on current solutions to various environmental problems in the field of bioremediation, it provides a detailed knowledge on the various types of toxic environmental pollutants discharged from different sources, their toxicological effects in environments, humans, animals and plants as well as their biodegradation and bioremediation approaches. This book helps environmental scientists and microbiologists learn about existing environmental problems and suggests ways to control or contain their effects by employing various treatment approaches. - Provides information on waste treatment approaches using microbes - Includes applications in biofuel and bioenergy production - Covers green belt development, hydroponics, phytoremediation, wetland treatment technology, and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) - Discusses dissemination of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microbes and strategies to combat multi-drug resistance (MDR)
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0128190043
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 539
Book Description
Microorganisms for Sustainable Environment and Health covers hazardous pollutants released from natural as well as anthropogenic activities and implications on environmental and human health. This book serves as a valuable source of basic knowledge and recent developments in the clean technologies and pollution-associated diseases and abnormalities in the context of microorganisms. Focused on current solutions to various environmental problems in the field of bioremediation, it provides a detailed knowledge on the various types of toxic environmental pollutants discharged from different sources, their toxicological effects in environments, humans, animals and plants as well as their biodegradation and bioremediation approaches. This book helps environmental scientists and microbiologists learn about existing environmental problems and suggests ways to control or contain their effects by employing various treatment approaches. - Provides information on waste treatment approaches using microbes - Includes applications in biofuel and bioenergy production - Covers green belt development, hydroponics, phytoremediation, wetland treatment technology, and common effluent treatment plants (CETPs) - Discusses dissemination of antibiotic resistance among pathogenic microbes and strategies to combat multi-drug resistance (MDR)
Microbes in Land Use Change Management
Author: Jay Shankar Singh
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323858945
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 611
Book Description
Microbes in Land Use Change Management details the various roles of microbial resources in management of land uses and how the microbes can be used for the source of income due to their cultivation for the purpose of biomass and bioenergy production. Using various techniques, the disturbed and marginal lands may also be restored eco-friendly in present era to fulfil the feeding needs of mankind around the globe. Microbes in Land Use Change Management provides standard and up to date information towards the land use change management using various microbial technologies to enhance the productivity of agriculture. Needless to say that Microbes in Land Use Change Management also considers the areas including generation of alternative energy sources, restoration of degraded and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases and next generation -omics technique etc. Land use change affects environment conditions and soil microbial community. Microbial population and its species diversity have influence in maintaining ecosystem balance. The study of changes of microbial population provides an idea about the variation occurring in a specific area and possibilities of restoration. Meant for a multidisciplinary audience Microbes in Land Use Change Management shows the need of next-generation omics technologies to explore microbial diversity. - Describes the role of microbes in generation of alternative source of energy - Gives recent information related to various microbial technology and their diversified applications - Provides thorough insight in the problems related to landscape dynamics, restoration of soil, reclamation of lands mitigation of global warming gases etc. eco-friendly way using versatility of microbes - Includes microbial tools and technology in reclamation of degraded, disturbed and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323858945
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 611
Book Description
Microbes in Land Use Change Management details the various roles of microbial resources in management of land uses and how the microbes can be used for the source of income due to their cultivation for the purpose of biomass and bioenergy production. Using various techniques, the disturbed and marginal lands may also be restored eco-friendly in present era to fulfil the feeding needs of mankind around the globe. Microbes in Land Use Change Management provides standard and up to date information towards the land use change management using various microbial technologies to enhance the productivity of agriculture. Needless to say that Microbes in Land Use Change Management also considers the areas including generation of alternative energy sources, restoration of degraded and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases and next generation -omics technique etc. Land use change affects environment conditions and soil microbial community. Microbial population and its species diversity have influence in maintaining ecosystem balance. The study of changes of microbial population provides an idea about the variation occurring in a specific area and possibilities of restoration. Meant for a multidisciplinary audience Microbes in Land Use Change Management shows the need of next-generation omics technologies to explore microbial diversity. - Describes the role of microbes in generation of alternative source of energy - Gives recent information related to various microbial technology and their diversified applications - Provides thorough insight in the problems related to landscape dynamics, restoration of soil, reclamation of lands mitigation of global warming gases etc. eco-friendly way using versatility of microbes - Includes microbial tools and technology in reclamation of degraded, disturbed and marginal lands, mitigation of global warming gases
Microbiome Under Changing Climate
Author: Ajay Kumar
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0323906974
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 575
Book Description
Microbiome Under Changing Climate: Implications and Solutions presents the latest biotechnological interventions for the judicious use of microbes to ensure optimal agricultural yield. Summarizing aspects of vulnerability, adaptation and amelioration of climate impact, this book provides an important resource for understanding microbes, plants and soil in pursuit of sustainable agriculture and improved food security. It emphasizes the interaction between climate and soil microbes and their potential role in promoting advanced sustainable agricultural solutions, focusing on current research designed to use beneficial microbes such as plant growth promoting microorganisms, fungi, endophytic microbes, and more. Changes in climatic conditions influence all factors of the agricultural ecosystem, including adversely impacting yield both in terms of quantity and nutritional quality. In order to develop resilience against climatic changes, it is increasingly important to understand the effect on the native micro-flora, including the distribution of methanogens and methanotrophs, nutrient content and microbial biomass, among others. - Demonstrates the impact of climate change on secondary metabolites of plants and potential responses - Incorporates insights on microflora of inhabitant soil - Explores mitigation processes and their modulation by sustainable methods - Highlights the role of microbial technologies in agricultural sustainability
Publisher: Woodhead Publishing
ISBN: 0323906974
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 575
Book Description
Microbiome Under Changing Climate: Implications and Solutions presents the latest biotechnological interventions for the judicious use of microbes to ensure optimal agricultural yield. Summarizing aspects of vulnerability, adaptation and amelioration of climate impact, this book provides an important resource for understanding microbes, plants and soil in pursuit of sustainable agriculture and improved food security. It emphasizes the interaction between climate and soil microbes and their potential role in promoting advanced sustainable agricultural solutions, focusing on current research designed to use beneficial microbes such as plant growth promoting microorganisms, fungi, endophytic microbes, and more. Changes in climatic conditions influence all factors of the agricultural ecosystem, including adversely impacting yield both in terms of quantity and nutritional quality. In order to develop resilience against climatic changes, it is increasingly important to understand the effect on the native micro-flora, including the distribution of methanogens and methanotrophs, nutrient content and microbial biomass, among others. - Demonstrates the impact of climate change on secondary metabolites of plants and potential responses - Incorporates insights on microflora of inhabitant soil - Explores mitigation processes and their modulation by sustainable methods - Highlights the role of microbial technologies in agricultural sustainability
Microorganisms in Environmental Management
Author: T. Satyanarayana
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940072229X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 827
Book Description
Microbes and their biosynthetic capabilities have been invaluable in finding solutions for several intractable problems mankind has encountered in maintaining the quality of the environment. They have, for example, been used to positive effect in human and animal health, genetic engineering, environmental protection, and municipal and industrial waste treatment. Microorganisms have enabled feasible and cost-effective responses which would have been impossible via straightforward chemical or physical engineering methods. Microbial technologies have of late been applied to a range of environmental problems, with considerable success. This survey of recent scientific progress in usefully applying microbes to both environmental management and biotechnology is informed by acknowledgement of the polluting effects on the world around us of soil erosion, the unwanted migration of sediments, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the improper treatment of human and animal wastes. These harmful phenomena have resulted in serious environmental and social problems around the world, problems which require us to look for solutions elsewhere than in established physical and chemical technologies. Often the answer lies in hybrid applications in which microbial methods are combined with physical and chemical ones. When we remember that these highly effective microorganisms, cultured for a variety of applications, are but a tiny fraction of those to be found in the world around us, we realize the vastness of the untapped and beneficial potential of microorganisms. At present, comprehending the diversity of hitherto uncultured microbes involves the application of metagenomics, with several novel microbial species having been discovered using culture-independent approaches. Edited by recognized leaders in the field, this penetrating assessment of our progress to date in deploying microorganisms to the advantage of environmental management and biotechnology will be widely welcomed.
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 940072229X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 827
Book Description
Microbes and their biosynthetic capabilities have been invaluable in finding solutions for several intractable problems mankind has encountered in maintaining the quality of the environment. They have, for example, been used to positive effect in human and animal health, genetic engineering, environmental protection, and municipal and industrial waste treatment. Microorganisms have enabled feasible and cost-effective responses which would have been impossible via straightforward chemical or physical engineering methods. Microbial technologies have of late been applied to a range of environmental problems, with considerable success. This survey of recent scientific progress in usefully applying microbes to both environmental management and biotechnology is informed by acknowledgement of the polluting effects on the world around us of soil erosion, the unwanted migration of sediments, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and the improper treatment of human and animal wastes. These harmful phenomena have resulted in serious environmental and social problems around the world, problems which require us to look for solutions elsewhere than in established physical and chemical technologies. Often the answer lies in hybrid applications in which microbial methods are combined with physical and chemical ones. When we remember that these highly effective microorganisms, cultured for a variety of applications, are but a tiny fraction of those to be found in the world around us, we realize the vastness of the untapped and beneficial potential of microorganisms. At present, comprehending the diversity of hitherto uncultured microbes involves the application of metagenomics, with several novel microbial species having been discovered using culture-independent approaches. Edited by recognized leaders in the field, this penetrating assessment of our progress to date in deploying microorganisms to the advantage of environmental management and biotechnology will be widely welcomed.