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  • © 2010

Microbes at Work

From Wastes to Resources

  • The reader is informed about the state of the art of biological waste treatment and how to exploit the potential that microorganisms are offering for this purpose

  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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Table of contents (16 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-viii
  2. Microbes in Aerobic and Anaerobic Waste Treatment

    • Heribert Insam, Ingrid Franke-Whittle, Marta Goberna
    Pages 1-34
  3. Recent Developments in Bio-Energy Recovery Through Fermentation

    • R. Braun, B. Drosg, G. Bochmann, S. Weiß, R. Kirchmayr
    Pages 35-58
  4. Syntrophic Communities in Methane Formation from High Strength Wastewaters

    • Caroline M. Plugge, Jules B. van Lier, Alfons J. M. Stams
    Pages 59-77
  5. Vermicomposting: Earthworms Enhance the Work of Microbes

    • Jorge Domínguez, Manuel Aira, María Gómez-Brandón
    Pages 93-114
  6. Compost Microbial Activity Related to Compost Stability

    • An Ceustermans, Jozef Coosemans, Jaak Ryckeboer
    Pages 115-134
  7. Utility of Molecular Tools in Monitoring Large Scale Composting

    • Jenni Hultman, Jukka Kurola, Aija Rainisalo, Merja Kontro, Martin Romantschuk
    Pages 135-151
  8. Sanitation by Composting

    • Björn Vinnerås, F. Agostini, Hakan Jönsson
    Pages 171-191
  9. Microbial Antagonists in Animal Health Promotion and Plant Protection

    • Viviana Klose, Markus Neureiter, Michaela Mohnl, Herbert Danner, Christina Donat
    Pages 193-211
  10. Compost Microbial Populations and Interactions with Plants

    • Dror Minz, Stefan J. Green, Maya Ofek, Yitzhak Hadar
    Pages 231-251
  11. Soil Degradation and Rehabilitation: Microorganisms and Functionality

    • F. Bastida, T. Hernandez, C. Garcia
    Pages 253-270
  12. Do Composts Affect the Soil Microbial Community?

    • Brigitte A. Knapp, Margarita Ros, Heribert Insam
    Pages 271-291
  13. Production and Application of Bioorganic Fertilizers for Organic Farming Systems in Thailand: A Case Study

    • N. Teaumroong, C. Wanapu, Y. Chankum, W. Arjharn, S. Sang-Arthit, K. Teaimthaisong et al.
    Pages 293-312
  14. Challenges, Options and Future Research Needs

    • Juan Luis Turrion-Gomez, Blanca Antizar-Ladislao
    Pages 313-322
  15. Back Matter

    Pages 323-329

About this book

Among the goals of environmentally sound waste treatment is the recycling of organic wastes. The most practiced options are composting and anaerobic digestion, both processes being carried out by microorganisms. This book provides an overview of the various ways microbes are doing their job and gives the reader an impression of their potential.

The sixteen chapters of this book summarize the advantages and disadvantages of treatment processes, whether they are aerobic like composting or work without oxygen like anaerobic digestion for biogas (methane) production. These chapters show the potential of microorganisms to create valuable resources from otherwise wasted materials. These resources include profitable organic, humus-like soil conditioners or fertilizer components which are often suppressive to plant diseases. Composts may thus improve soil carbon sequestration, or support sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for mineral fertilizers or pesticides. If anaerobic digestion is used, the biogas produced may replace fossil fuels. Thus, proper biological waste treatment with the help of microorganisms should contribute to a reduction of anthropogenic greenhouse gas production.

Reviews

From the reviews:

“The work highlights different aspects of microbial composting and anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials. Each of the 16 chapters, contributed by experts in the field, is well written with numerous excellent references and cutting-edge information. … The figures and tables aid in the understanding of the material. Though the work is geared toward researchers in the field, it can be used in graduate-level courses on the topic. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students through professionals/practitioners.” (M. E. Lenczewski, Choice, Vol. 48 (1), September, 2010)

Editors and Affiliations

  • Inst. Mikrobiologie, Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria

    Heribert Insam, Ingrid Franke-Whittle, Marta Goberna

Bibliographic Information

  • Book Title: Microbes at Work

  • Book Subtitle: From Wastes to Resources

  • Editors: Heribert Insam, Ingrid Franke-Whittle, Marta Goberna

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-04043-6

  • Publisher: Springer Berlin, Heidelberg

  • eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life Sciences, Biomedical and Life Sciences (R0)

  • Copyright Information: Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010

  • Hardcover ISBN: 978-3-642-04042-9Published: 17 December 2009

  • Softcover ISBN: 978-3-642-42430-4Published: 28 November 2014

  • eBook ISBN: 978-3-642-04043-6Published: 07 December 2009

  • Edition Number: 1

  • Number of Pages: VIII, 329

  • Topics: Microbiology, Waste Management/Waste Technology, Agriculture

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access