Introduction to Geomicrobiology is a timely and comprehensive overview of how microbial life has affected Earth's environment through time. The book covers the following topics:
how microorganisms are classified, the physical constraints governing their growth, methods used to study their phylogenetic diversity, and life in extreme environments
microbial metabolic capabilities and major biogeochemical pathways
the chemical reactivity of the cell surface, metal sorption and the microbial role in contaminant transport and bioremediation/biorecovery
microbiological mineral formation and fossilisation
the function of microorganisms in mineral dissolution and oxidation and the industrial and environmental ramifications of these processes
the role of microorganisms in elemental cycling from biofilms to the ocean sedimentary column.