Polar Microbiology

Covering the breadth of microbial ecology and diversity in polar regions with an emphasis on bioremediation, this title examines polar microorganisms and their ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in polar terrestrial and aquatic environments. It provides a fresh perspective of these microorganisms in extremely cold temperatures.

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Pollution has accompanied polar exploration since Captain John Davis’ arrival on the Antarctic continent in 1821 and has become an unavoidable consequence of oil spills in our polar regions. Fortunately, many of the organisms indigenous to Polar ecosystems have the ability to degrade pollutants. It is this metabolic capacity that forms the basis for bioremediation as a potential treatment for the hydrocarbons that contaminate the pristine polar environments.



The only book to cover the breadth of microbial ecology and diversity in polar regions with an emphasis on bioremediation, Polar Microbiology: The Ecology, Biodiversity, and Bioremediation Potential of Microorganisms in Extremely Cold Environments examines the diversity of polar microorganisms and their ability to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants in polar terrestrial and aquatic environments. Providing a unique perspective of these microorganisms in extremely cold temperatures, the book focuses on their taxonomy, physiology, biochemistry, population structure, bioremediation potential, and potential for biotechnology applications. Leading investigators in the field provide complete coverage of the microbiology relevant to the study of biodiversity and biodegradation of pollutants in the Arctic and Antarctic, including:










Microbial extremophiles living in cold and subzero temperature environments







Genetics and physiology of cold adaptation of microorganisms







Biodegradative microbial consortia in a defined closed environment







Molecular characterization of biodegradative microbial populations







Molecular approaches to assess biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons







Environmental impact of hydrocarbon contamination







Microbial biodiversity across Antarctic deserts






By bringi