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Environmental Microbiology of Aquatic and Waste Systems PDF

2011·8.31 MB·English
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Environmental Microbiology of Aquatic and Waste Systems Nduka Okafor Environmental Microbiology of Aquatic and Waste Systems Nduka Okafor Department of Biological Sciences Clemson University Clemson, South Carolina USA [email protected] The Author acknowledges that there are instances where he was unable to trace or contact the copyright holder for permission to reproduce selected materials in this volume. The Author has included complete source references for all such materials and takes full responsibility for these matters. If notified, the publisher will be pleased to rectify any errors or omissions at the earliest opportunity. ISBN 978-94-007-1459-5 e-ISBN 978-94-007-1460-1 DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1460-1 Springer Dordrecht Heidelberg London New York Library of Congress Control Number: 2011930674 © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011 No part of this work may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, microfilming, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the Publisher, with the exception of any material supplied specifically for the purpose of being entered and executed on a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com) This book is dedicated to The Okafor-Ozowalu family of Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, in the Anambra State of Nigeria, especially grandchildren Chinelo, Ndiya, Kenechukwu, Victor, Toochukwu and Chinedum and Very Rev Fr. Prof Emmanuel M P Edeh, CSSp, OFR, for his contribution in furthering access to education in Nigeria by founding Madonna and Caritas Universities as well several other educational establishments Preface This book is a result of the course on environmental microbiology that I taught at the University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA. The book seeks to place the main actors in matters of environment microbiology, namely, the microorganisms, on center stage. Many first degree courses in microbiology do not cover the detailed taxonomy of microorganisms, which facilitates their being pigeonholed into specific taxonomic niches in the environment. Because of this, the book looks, as much as possible, at the biology, especially the taxonomy, of the microorganisms. To this end, the taxonomy of not only bacteria and fungi, but also protozoa, algae, viruses and even the smaller macroorganisms, such as nematodes and rotifers, which are usually associated with microorganisms in aquatic and waste environments, are also looked at. Viruses are given special attention because, until recently, it was thought they were not important in aquatic environments; the modern understanding is that they are not only abundant, but play a crucial role in the sustenance of the various compo- nents of the biological ecosystem in aquatic environments. The book will be useful to a wide range of undergraduates and beginning graduate students in microbiology, general biology, aquatic science, public health and civil (sanitary) engineering. Practitioners in sanitary engineering and public health will also find it of interest. I thank my family for their encouragement. Mableton, GA, USA Nduka Okafor October 1, 2010 vii Contents Part I Introduction 1 Nature, Properties, and Distribution of Water ....................................... 3 1.1 Physical and Chemical Properties of Water and Their Consequences ..................................................................................... 3 1.1.1 Molecular Structure of Water and Its Strong Surface Tension ...................................................................... 3 1.1.2 The High Surface Tension of Water and Capillarity in Plants .................................................................................. 4 1.1.3 The Three Physical States of Water, and the Floatation of Ice ......................................................... 4 1.1.4 The Thermal Properties of Water and Their Effect on Climate ................................................... 5 1.1.5 The Change in the Nature of Water at Different Temperatures and Lake Temperatures .................................... 5 1.1.6 The Low Electrical Conductivity of Pure Water .................... 6 1.1.7 The High Chemical Reactiveness of Water ............................ 7 1.1.8 The pH of Water ..................................................................... 7 1.1.9 The High Solvent Power of Water ......................................... 7 1.2 Importance and Uses of Water ........................................................... 7 1.2.1 Composition of Biological Objects ........................................ 7 1.2.2 Drinking by Man and Animals and Domestic Use ................ 7 1.2.3 Irrigation and Aquaculture ..................................................... 8 1.2.4 Power Generation ................................................................... 8 1.2.5 Transportation ........................................................................ 8 1.2.6 Recreation .............................................................................. 8 1.2.7 Human Affairs ........................................................................ 8 1.3 The Hydrologic Cycle ........................................................................ 8 1.4 Classification of Waters ...................................................................... 9 1.4.1 Natural Waters ........................................................................ 9 1.4.2 Artificial Waters ..................................................................... 10 1.5 Global Distribution of Water on Earth and Its Study ......................... 10 References ................................................................................................... 12 2 Peculiarities of Water as an Environmental Habitat for Microorganisms ................................................................................... 15 2.1 The Peculiar Nature of Water as an Environment for Microbial Habitation .................................................................... 15 ix

Description:
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.
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