This book explains how microorganisms play a pivotal role in the formation of biominerals, including carbonates, silicate minerals and oxides. As readers will learn, these minerals may be produced either intracellularly or extracellularly in order to sustain microbial life. Experienced scientists from the field show that some of these biominerals can be produced in an active form, which involves direct enzymatic intervention to form precipitates. In addition, passive mineral formation can be mediated by the presence of dead cells. Readers from Microbiology and Biochemistry will appreciate the thorough coverage on various types of microbial mineral formation and their roles in microbial domains. Furthermore, they will benefit from the authors’ first-hand knowledge regarding common techniques for studying biomineral-producing microorganisms, factors affecting biomineralization, and the use of this process in biotechnological applications.

Volume 35 of Reviews in Mineralogy defines and explore the topic of geomicrobiology. It is organized so as to first introduce the nature, diversity, and metabolic impact of microorganisms and the types of solid phases they interact with. This is followed by a discussion of processes that occur at cell surfaces, interfaces between microbes and minerals, and within cells, and the resulting mineral precipitation, dissolution, and changes in aqueous geochemistry. The volume concludes with a discussion of the carbon cycle over geologic time. Basis for this volume was the Short Course on Geomicrobiology presented by the Mineralogical Society of America on October 18 and 19, 1997, at the Alta Peruvian Lodge in Alta, Utah.

Uncovers the Key Role Microbes Play in the Transformation of Oxidizable and Reducible MineralsMany areas of geomicrobial processes are receiving serious attention from microbiologists, specifically the role microbes play in the formation and degradation of minerals and fossil fuels and elemental cycling. Most notably, the latest research finds that

Elements move through Earth's critical zone along interconnected pathways that are strongly influenced by fluctuations in water and energy. The biogeochemical cycling of elements is inextricably linked to changes in climate and ecological disturbances, both natural and man-made. Biogeochemical Cycles: Ecological Drivers and Environmental Impact examines the influences and effects of biogeochemical elemental cycles in different ecosystems in the critical zone. Volume highlights include: Impact of global change on the biogeochemical functioning of diverse ecosystems Biological drivers of soil, rock, and mineral weathering Natural elemental sources for improving sustainability of ecosystems Links between natural ecosystems and managed agricultural systems Non-carbon elemental cycles affected by climate change Subsystems particularly vulnerable to global change The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Book Review: http://www.elementsmagazine.org/archives/e16_6/e16_6_dep_bookreview.pdf

Better Understand the Connection between Microbiology and the Inorganic WorldMicrobiology for Minerals, Metals, Materials and the Environment links chemical, metallurgical, and other metal inherent systems with microbes, and analyzes the interdependence between them. Specifically intended to underscore the importance of microbes in environmental re

Biomineralization is the process that produces the skeletons, shells, and teeth of most animals. It is also involved in magnetic orientation, gravity detection, and the storing of ions. This book compares a diverse number of systems, including mineral deposition of invertebrates, vertebrates, algae, and microorganisms. Emphasis is placed on the systems responsible for converting ions to minerals and the mechanisms and control of mineral form.