Environmental Microbiology of Aquatic and Waste Systems

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xvi

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2. Introduction

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 1-1

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   2. Nature, Properties, and Distribution of Water

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 3-13

   3. Peculiarities of Water as an Environmental Habitat for Microorganisms

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 15-29

3. Biological Aspects of Microorganisms in Aquatic Environments

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 31-31

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   2. Aspects of the Molecular Biology of Microorganisms of Relevance to the Aquatic Environment

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 33-45

   3. Taxonomy, Physiology, and Ecology of Aquatic Microorganisms

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 47-107

4. The Ecology of Microorganisms in Natural Waters

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 109-109

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   2. Ecology of Microorganisms in Freshwater

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 111-122

   3. Ecology of Microorganisms in Saline Waters (Seas and Oceans)

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 123-148

5. Pollution and Purification of, and Disease Transmission in, Water

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 149-149

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   2. Pollution of Aquatic Systems: Pollution Through Eutrophication, Fecal Materials, and Oil Spills

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 151-187

   3. Disease Transmission in Water

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 189-214

   4. Municipal Purification of Water

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 215-245

6. Waste Disposal in Aquatic and Solid Media

   1. Front Matter

      Pages 247-247

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   2. Waste Disposal in the Aqueous Medium: Sewage Disposal

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 249-273

   3. The Disposal of Municipal Solid Wastes

      • Nduka Okafor

      Pages 275-303

7. Back Matter

   Pages 305-307

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This book places the main actors in environmental microbiology, namely the microorganisms, on center stage. Using the modern approach of 16S ribosomal RNA, the book looks 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. By focusing on the basics, this primer will appeal across a wide range of disciplines.

• Aquatic Systems
• Microbial Taxonomy
• Microbiology
• Solid Wastes
• Water Pollution
• marine and freshwater sciences
• water quality and water pollution

From the reviews:

“The author explores the environmental systems and links them with the ecology of microorganisms. … Each of the well-written topics presented contains current and practical information. The book is based on a course taught by the author; therefore, it is useful for both undergraduates and beginning graduate students in microbiology, public health, aquatic science, and civil/environmental engineering. The work is also valuable for practitioners lacking microbiology or biology backgrounds … . Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.” (M. E. Lenczewski, Choice, Vol. 49 (7), March, 2012)

• , Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, USA

  Nduka Okafor

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